Purpose This study examines the evolution of library management research over nearly 7 decades, highlighting publication trends, major themes, and the influence of emerging technologies. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis was performed on 1,104 articles from 357 journals indexed in the Web of Science (WOS) database. Key aspects such as publication volume, authorship patterns, citation metrics and keyword diversity were analyzed. Thematic mapping and conceptual structure analysis were used to identify research trends and thematic clusters spanning 1956 to 2025. Findings The field of library management demonstrates steady growth and a strong tradition of individual scholarship, though international collaboration remains limited, indicating potential to expand global reach. Research activity was low initially but surged in the early 2000s, driven by increased academic interest and technological progress. The research focus has shifted significantly from foundational topics like library systems to advanced areas including digital libraries, RFID, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Despite a broadening scope, citation rates remain relatively low, suggesting opportunities to improve research visibility and influence. The journal Library Management stands out as the leading publication venue, with 119 articles and an H-index of 15, emphasizing its central role in advancing the discipline. Practical implications Enhancing international collaboration and emphasizing emerging technologies can boost research impact. Investments in infrastructure and professional development are essential for supporting technological integration. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and library managers aiming to drive innovation and sustainability. Originality/value This comprehensive longitudinal bibliometric study sheds light on the historical and thematic evolution of library management research, particularly highlighting technology's growing influence and key publication outlets.
Purpose Large Language Models (LLMs) can be helpful for literature search and summarization but retracted articles can confuse them. It is therefore important to know how aware LLMs are of retractions. Design/methodology/approach Three open-weight (offline) LLMs were asked whether 161 high-profile retracted articles had been retracted, with a similar check for a benchmark multidisciplinary set of 34,070 non-retracted articles. Findings From titles and abstracts, in over 80% of cases the LLMs claimed that a retracted article had not been retracted (GPT OSS 120 B: 82%; Gemma 3 27 B: 84%; DeepSeek R1 72 B: 88%). Reasons for a correct retraction declaration were often wrong. For the benchmark test, there were only 55 false retraction claims from 34,070 non-retracted full-text articles, and 28 false claims when only the title and abstract were entered, suggesting that there is only a small chance that LLMs discount valid studies. When retractions are erroneously claimed, this does not seem to be due to mistakes in the article. Originality/value The results confirm for the first time that offline LLMs have little ability to distinguish between valid and retracted studies, unless they are allowed to, and do, check online. The results therefore give new evidence, based on LLM knowledge of retractions, to be cautious about LLM claims about academic findings.
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the role of colleagues’ relationships and social interaction among them in making the workplace congenial for female library professionals. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative research method using semi-structured interviews as a data collection technique. Female Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) of HEC-recognized public and private sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan, were selected as the sample of the study. Findings The results indicated that library professionals had healthy work relationships as they had developed mutual understanding, tried to help and support each other and avoided superfluous reactions and leg-pulling. It is highlighted that female colleagues are difficult coworkers and are stubborn in some instances. For social interaction, they highlighted that they have good communication skills, prefer direct conversation with colleagues and try to sort out the issues to the best of their abilities. Library professionals highlighted some incidents of humiliation and harassment, and appreciated the collegial support. The majority were found unaware of the organizational/governmental policies regarding harassment. Originality/value This study is unique as it investigated the perception of female employees within a female oriented profession “librarianship”. There is no such study that has investigated the perception of female employees regarding collegial relationship and social interaction at workplace. Thus, this would be a unique and novel addition to the literature of librarianship, social science and gender studies.
Purpose This study examines the influence of strategic marketing on the visibility of academic libraries in Nigerian universities within the context of the digital age, where users increasingly bypass traditional library systems for online alternatives. The study is grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive survey design with a correlational approach was adopted. Data were collected through electronic questionnaires from 314 library personnel purposively selected across the North-Central, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Findings The findings revealed a high level of overall library visibility (x̄ = 3.10), although online visibility was only moderate. Strategic marketing practices were also adopted to a high extent (x̄ = 3.06); however, libraries tended to prioritise physical accessibility and collection development over digital access strategies. Key challenges identified included limited funding, inadequate ICT facilities, and staff resistance to innovation. The study further established a significant positive relationship between strategic marketing and library visibility (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), indicating that increased marketing efforts are associated with improved visibility. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between strategic marketing and library visibility within the Nigerian academic context. It contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the need for a more integrated and digitally oriented marketing approach to enhance the relevance and visibility of academic libraries in the digital era.
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the completeness of public library profiles on Google Maps in Bushehr Province, Iran.Design/methodology/approach The study analyzed 67 public libraries in Bushehr Province. Data was extracted from the National Library System (SAMAN) and matched with their Google Maps listings in early November 2024. Key variables included the accuracy of name, category, photos, contact number, and library web address.Findings Of the 67 public libraries studied, 46 (68.65%) were located in urban areas and 21 (31.34%) in rural areas. Most libraries (76.12%) were visible on Google Maps. Two-thirds of the libraries (33.33%) had corrected names on Google Maps, while 54.9% were correctly categorized. Approximately one-third (33.37%) had photos, but none had uploaded videos. Urban libraries generally maintained more complete profiles than their rural counterparts. The findings indicated that less than 10% of public libraries had no internet address on Google Maps.Practical implications The findings reveal significant gaps in the digital visibility of public libraries. Library administrators should focus on claiming and updating their Google Maps profiles. This will improve discoverability, accessibility, and service use, particularly in rural areas.Originality/value This study reveals the poor digital visibility of Bushehr public libraries on Google Maps. As incomplete digital profiles represent a widespread global challenge, the findings offer practical solutions applicable to other regions. This research is the first to systematically assess the completeness of online public library data in Google Maps and offers recommendations for enhancing library management practices globally.
