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
