A Bibliometric Analysis of Library and Information Science Research in Africa: A case study of the African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, 1991-2024 Part 1

Abstract

In order to evaluate the productivity of a subject field like the library and information science, a bibliometric analysis was carried out, using the African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science (AJLAIS.) as a source journal, with a view to determining the characteristics and trends of the journal. Publications produced between 1991 and 2024 in the journal were analysed in terms of quantity of articles, degree of collaboration, statuses, institutional affiliations and geographical locations, subject coverage and degree of collaboration among authors. A publication count of all the papers produced during the period was made and an analysis was carried out. The study shows that during the period, 557 publications were produced and they consist of 526 scholarly publications and 31 book reviews. Eight hundred and fifty-four authors produced the 526 scholarly publications in the source journal. Most of the authors were of the professorial status (21.9%). The study revealed that the degree of collaboration among authors in the library and information science field was 0.61. Authors from the University of Botswana and the University of Ibadan were the highest contributors of papers in AJLAIS. The geographical locations of most of the authors were in Nigeria (42%) and South Africa (21.3%). Authors of papers came from 29 countries including 12 countries outside Africa. The major subject areas covered in the journal were information and communications technologies,  archives and records management, bibliometrics, publishing, etc. Some subject gaps identified in the journal were artificial intelligence, infopreneurship and Resource Description and Access (RDA). The recommendations of the study included the provision of generous research grants to academic institutions in order to promote research in the different academic institutions. The need to promote collaboration among authors and finally, the importance of carrying out research investigations in the subject gaps.