April 24, 2024
Unveiling library science’s scientific foundations
by Abid Hussain
A research paper of Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya published by Emerald Insight in 2013, has argued a
few attributes that make LIS as an established scientific field. The study further highlighted that LIS
is the study of scientific field whose hypotheses, theories and laws continue to be tested for validity
by other LIS and non-LIS researchers under the same conditions and published in peer-reviewed
journals and conferences” beyond this paper, further research deepened my insights towards to the
field in order to unveil whether LIS is a scientific discipline or not? After searching more papers, I
came to conclusion that, undoubtedly, like other disciplines of natural and applied sciences, library
and information has also gained the status of scientific disciplines for many reasons. This
disciplines deals with systematic study, organizations of information and the management of
information resources in a scientific ways that should meet the information needs of individual in a
society.
In this short piece, I have explored a few principles which gauge library discipline as a science.
Firstly, theory and principles, as like other science disciplines such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry
and so on, library and information science is also guided by the theories and principles that helps to
explain and predict phenomena related to information behaviours of individuals, similarly LIS
discipline defines the rules of information retrieval, information organization and management of
information in a systematic ways and these theories provides scientific frameworks to understand
the complex dynamics of information in a society where we live, interact and share the information.
Similarly the LIS disciplines is known as systematic study of various other disciplines like creation
of information, organizing information, disseminate and retrieve them in a scientific ways. This
systematic approach involves data analysis, research methodologies and theoretical framework to
fathom them in a scientific ways.
Library and information science is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as
Computer Science, sociology and psychology. This interdisciplinary approach enables scholars to
address complex information challenges by integrating diverse knowledge bases and
methodologies. Through empirical research, scholars investigate information behaviour and related
phenomena, grounding their work in evidence and empirical data to advance knowledge within the
discipline. This emphasis on evidence-based practices and policies distinguishes library and
information science from other humanities disciplines. Additionally, scholars apply scientific
principles and methods to tasks such as information retrieval and organization, ensuring systematic
approaches for effective information management. The integration of technology, including
classification systems and metadata standards, further enhances the discipline’s ability to organize
and retrieve information efficiently. Overall, the interdisciplinary nature, empirical research focus
and application of scientific principles underscore library and information science as a dynamic and
evolving scientific discipline.
In every scientific disciplines there are some ethical codes that make them different from other
disciplines, similarly LIS discipline also has its ethical consideration which guide the librarians to
follow these ethical principles to govern the conduct of professional to handle and disseminate the
information in a ethical ways. Some ethical consideration includes censorship, privacy of scholars,
intellectual freedom and equitable access to information in a society. These ethical practices make
LIS as a scientific discipline. Some scholars have their views that any scientific disciplines follow
scientific principles and laws across different contexts, these principles are not limited to specific
geographic regions or cultural backgrounds, similarly library and information science is based on
Universality and is applicable discipline across the globe.
Objectivity is a core issue of any scientific fields, the objectivity is based on specific methods and
interpretations, LIS discipline across the globe strive for objectivity in their methods in order to
minimize the bias and subjective influence in data collections and analysis of data.
Moreover, every scientific discipline firmly believes on continues development, similarly LIS is
also dynamic field which evolves from time to time. LIS change itself dynamically according to the
need of society and information needs of their individuals, similarly the changes in technology also
affect the discipline of LIS. In other words to stay abreast of emerging trends, tools and best
practices in the field LIS also support the lifelong learning of their customers and patrons. These are
few arguments that regarded LIS as a scientific disciplines, more rigorous research are required to
expand its scope as a scientific discipline . In short LIS applies different scientific procedures like
systematic methods, principles, theory and practices and the way of continue developments.
The writer is Deputy Director Library at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. Email:
writetoabidhussain@gmail.com