Visualization of the Scholarly Output on Evidence Based Librarianship: A Social Network Analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Objective - This paper aimed to analyze worldwide research on evidence based librarianship (EBL) using Social Network Analysis (SNA). Methods - This descriptive study has been conducted using scientometrics and a SNA approach. The researchers identified 523 publications on EBL, as indexed by Scopus and Web of Science with no date limitation. A range of software tools (Ravar PreMap, Netdraw, UCINet and VOSviewer) were utilized for data visualization and analysis. Results - Results of the study revealed that the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) occupied the topmost positions regarding centrality measures, clearly indicating their important structural roles in EBL research. The network of EBL research in terms of the degree of connectedness showed low density in the co-authorship networks of both authors (0.013) and countries (0.214). Seven subject clusters were identified in the EBL research network, four of which related to health and medicine. The occurrence of the keywords related to these four subject clusters suggested that EBL research had a greater association with the setting of health and medicine than with traditional librarianship elements such as human resources or library collection management. Conclusion - This study provided a systematic understanding of topics, research, and researchers in EBL by visualizing the networks and may thus inform the development of future aspects of EBL research and education.
Keywords
Scholarly output, evidence based librarianship, social network analysis
Divisions
fsktm
Publication Title
Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
Volume
13
Issue
4
Publisher
University of Alberta, Learning Services
Additional Information
Doctoral Degree (PhD). Mohammadamin Erfanmanesh. Department of Library Science & Information, Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA