Library & Information History

Scope & Guideline

Preserving the Narratives that Define Information History

Introduction

Welcome to the Library & Information History information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Library & Information History, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1758-3489
PublisherEDINBURGH UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2004 to 2024
AbbreviationLIBR INF HIST / Libr. Information History
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE TUN-HOLYROOD RD, 12 2F JACKSONS ENTRY, EDINBURGH EH8 8PJ, SCOTLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Library & Information History' serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse on the history of libraries, information practices, and the development of written knowledge across various contexts. It aims to explore the multifaceted relationships between books, reading, and cultural practices through time, providing insights into how libraries have shaped and been shaped by their social, political, and economic environments.
  1. Histories of Libraries and Information Institutions:
    The journal focuses on the historical development of libraries and information institutions, examining their roles in society, their evolution over time, and their impact on literacy and knowledge dissemination.
  2. Cultural and Social Contexts of Reading:
    It explores how reading practices and book ownership have influenced and reflected social and cultural dynamics throughout history, including studies on personal libraries and communal reading spaces.
  3. Economic Aspects of the Book Trade:
    The journal investigates the economic dimensions of the book trade, including the effects of market dynamics, patronage, and the development of subscription libraries on access to information.
  4. Transnational and Comparative Studies:
    The journal includes comparative analyses of library histories across different geographical and cultural contexts, fostering a broader understanding of global library practices and their historical significance.
  5. Methodological Innovations in Library History:
    It encourages the use of diverse methodologies, including quantitative approaches and digital humanities, to advance research in library history and information studies.
Recent publications in 'Library & Information History' reveal emerging themes that reflect contemporary scholarly interests and societal developments. These trends indicate a dynamic evolution in the field, suggesting areas of growth that are increasingly relevant to researchers and practitioners alike.
  1. Digital Transformation in Libraries:
    There is a growing emphasis on the impact of digital technologies on libraries and information practices, highlighting how digitization has transformed access, preservation, and the dissemination of knowledge.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Library History:
    Emerging themes reflect a trend towards interdisciplinary research that integrates perspectives from sociology, cultural studies, and digital humanities, enriching the understanding of libraries within broader historical narratives.
  3. Global Perspectives on Library Development:
    Recent studies increasingly incorporate global perspectives, examining the development of libraries in various cultural contexts and emphasizing transnational interactions and influences.
  4. Community Engagement and Social Justice:
    There is a rising focus on how libraries serve as community hubs and their role in promoting social justice, equity, and access to information, reflecting contemporary societal challenges and library missions.
  5. Environmental and Sustainability Studies:
    Emerging discussions around the role of libraries in sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship indicate a new area of exploration, linking historical practices to current ecological concerns.

Declining or Waning

While 'Library & Information History' has consistently engaged with various themes, certain areas of focus appear to be declining or waning in prominence over recent publications. This shift may reflect changing interests within the academic community or broader societal trends.
  1. Traditional Bibliography:
    Despite its foundational role in library and information studies, traditional bibliography appears to be receiving less emphasis in favor of more interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate digital humanities and broader cultural studies.
  2. Colonial Library Practices:
    Research specifically centered on colonial library practices is less prevalent in newer publications, possibly indicating a shift towards more contemporary themes or a broader examination of libraries in post-colonial contexts.
  3. Historical Studies of Individual Libraries:
    While individual case studies of specific libraries have been a feature of the journal, there is a noticeable decline in the frequency of such studies, suggesting a move towards larger thematic explorations or transnational analyses.
  4. Focus on Print Culture Exclusively:
    The journal's historical focus on print culture, while still relevant, may be waning in favor of broader investigations that also consider digital information practices and their historical implications.

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