Mapping Research Topics of Library and Information Sciences based on Co-word Analysis

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The use of subject maps is aimed at characterizing the structure of science and examining its changes. Various tools such as scienometrics, social network analysis and co-word analysis have been designed and developed.

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to map the thematic network of library and information sciences using articles indexed in Library, Information Science and Technology Abstract (LISTA) in 1998-2017.

Methodology and Materials: This research has been conducted using the social network analysis method and the co-word analysis. The BibExcel and Gephi software is used to design network and uses SciMAT software to draw up a strategic diagram.

Results: The results of this study showed that the keywords of information science, information retrieval, bibliometric analysis, research, information resource management, citation analysis, Internet, storage and retrieval systems, information technology and information services are the core topics of library and information science. The present study showed that information retrieval clusters and bibliometrics are the most developed subjects in librarianship and information science. Also, the sentiment analysis cluster is one of the emerging issues in this field. Conclusion: The results of this study will help LIS researchers identify emerging issues and select research topics. It will also assist policy-makers in the field of education and library departments to make changes to the curricula in order to keep pace with developments.