Quantitative and Qualitative Methods applied in LIS research published in Annals of Library and Information Studies (ALIS): An Analysis

Authors

Keywords:

Research Methods; Quantitative analysis; Qualitative analysis; Content analysis.

Abstract

The study examined 296 research articles published in the Annals of Library and Information Studies (ALIS) during 2011 to 2020 to identify trends in Library and Information Science (LIS) research, focusing on the research methods used. The research finds Bibliometrics and Scientometrics emerged as the dominant areas of study. Bibliometrics and Surveys of various types were the most used research methods with Web of Knowledge and Scopus being the preferred data sources to ensure reliability for their findings. Questionnaires and Likert scales were frequently used for data collection, with purposive and random sampling as the primary selection methods. Statistical data analysis often involved frequency counts and simple percentage analysis, followed by descriptive and inferential statistics. MS Excel and SPSS were the preferred software/tools for data analysis. Citation analysis revealed that journals were the most cited sources, particularly Scientometrics and Annals of Library and Information Studies. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies and trends within LIS research.

Author Biographies

  • Jayanta Kumar Sahu, Research Scholar, DLIS Sambalpur University & Library Information Assistant, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad

    Mr Jayanta Kumar Sahu graduated from Sambalpur University and pursued the Library & Information course under Berhampur University. Mr. Jayant Sahu has completed MLISc & MPhil Degree and is currently pursuing PhD from Sambalpur University. Mr. Sahu has also qualified UGC-NET. Presently working at Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad as Library Information Assistant. Mr. Sahu served as the Resource Person (Teaching) in the Dept of Library & Information Science, Sambalpur University. He was also the Research Assistant in an ICSSR sponsored major research project at Sambalpur University. Mr. Sahu has also three years of working experience in reputed libraries like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar.

  • Prof. Bulu Maharana, Professor & Head, DLIS, Sambalpur University

    Prof. Bulu Maharana serving as Professor and HOD in the Post Graduate Department of Library & Information Science, Sambalpur University. He started his career as a Library Professional in Indian Institute of Management, Indore and subsequently joined in teaching and continuing as such for last 23 years. Dr. Maharana is a Post Graduate in Economics as well as in Library & Information Science from Sambalpur University. He has earned his M.Phil and Ph.D Degrees in Library & Information Science from the same University. His areas of specialization include Information Retrieval, Digital Library and Open Access to Scholarly Information. He has published 2 Books and more than 80 research papers and scholarly articles in various national and International journals. He has been serving as a Member of the National Editorial Advisory Board and Peer Reviewer of many national and international journals.  He has successfully guided 05 research scholars at Doctoral and 40 scholars at M.Phil level. Dr. Maharana has also been discharging his duties in key administrative positions at Sambalpur University including Director, MMTTC (Formerly UGC-HRDC), Professor-in-Charge of Central Library, Chairman, Board of Studies, Chairman, NIRF, Nodal Officer, NAD, Director, HRDC, Member, Syndicate, etc.

  • Suchita Sahoo, Junior Library Information Assistant, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad

    Miss Suchita Sahoo has done her Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Sambalpur University, Odisha, and also completed her MPhil in Library and Information Science from Sambalpur University, Odisha. She qualified for UGC-NET . Presently working as  Junior Library Information Assistant at IIT Hyderabad. She served as a Library Intern cum Library Assistant at Central University of Odisha.

  • Siva Shankar Kimidi, Assistant Librarian, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad

    Siva Shankar Kimidi, Assistant Librarian is with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH). He was associated with INFLIBNET Centre, IIT Hyderabad, ICRISAT, ISB and DELNET during his past professional experience. Siva Shankar does research in Data Mining, Information Science, Experts database, irins.org and Science Education. He is interested in open access in science research.

References

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Published

2026-03-10

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Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): March issue 2026

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