Analyzing the Evolution of Scholarly Contributions in Utilizing Library Services Within Academic Institutions: A Scientometric Investigation (1989–2022)

Abstract

This study examined the publishing and citation patterns in research publications related to library services in academic institutions from 1989 to 2022 using 476 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database. It reveals a rise in publications, peaking in 2021 (n = 29). The USA leads in publications, with Wuhan University (China) and author Peter Hernon being the most productive. Single-authored works dominate (n = 227), with the Journal of Academic Librarianship as the top publishing platform. Collaborations are most frequent between the USA, China, South Africa, the UK, and Australia. This study reveals growing research interest in library services, particularly within library and information science. Its originality pinpoints this field’s leading countries, institutions, authors, journals, and collaborative patterns.

Keywords:

• Academic institutions
• academic libraries
• bibliometric
• library services
• scientometric
• web of science

Acknowledgment

The present article is an outcome of a preliminary survey of a Minor Research Project (MRP) funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, Government of India. The responsibility for the facts reported, opinions expressed, and conclusions drawn rest solely with the authors. The authors sincerely thank the ICSSR for providing the necessary funding and support for this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data supporting this study’s findings are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Government of India. Grant No.: ICSSR/RPD/MN/2023-24/OBC/197.