Research methods in library and information science: A content analysis

• 1162 research articles from three major library and information science (LIS) journals were analyzed.
• LIS scholars use a greater number and wider variety of research methods than in the past.
• Use of multiple methods in a single study and adoption of qualitative approaches are recurring themes in LIS research.
• Further efforts are needed to achieve more progress in research method selection and application in LIS.

A total of 1162 research articles, published from 2001 to 2010 in three major journals of library and information science (LIS), are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively in order to address some recurring themes about research method selection and application in the scholarly domain. This study shows that LIS scholars utilize a greater number and wider variety of research methods than before. Replacing the dominant positions that questionnaire survey and historical method previously held, content analysis, experiment, and theoretical approach have become the top choices of research methods in the field. This study also examines two recurring themes regarding research methods in the LIS field, namely, use of multiple methods in one study and adoption of the qualitative approach, but finds no conclusive evidence of increased implementation of either practice. More efforts in the form of education, training and advocacy are therefore needed to help LIS scholars gain a better understanding of research methods and make more informed decisions on research method selection and implementation in their scholarly endeavors.