Theoretical and applied aspects of library automation: Analyzing Russian Science Citation Index

Abstract

The 20-year document flow in library automation is analyzed based on the Russian Science Citation Index. The study goal was to evaluate the state of library automation as reflected in the document flow in library and information studies. The stages of library automation are specified; selection principles for related publications retrieval and analysis are characterized. The dynamics and statistical data of the dataflow are presented; sustainable interest toward the problem is revealed. Based on the 2- and 5-year impact factor, 10 most productive journals on the subject are identified, among them “Scientific and technical libraries” and “Bibliotekovedenie” [Russian journal of Library Science] journals. Organizations leading in library automation are introduced. The sectoral and content structures of the array of interest are characterized; the current trends in library automation related to expanding ALIS functionality and implementation of information and communication technologies are identified. The ranked list of publications on individual automated library and information systems is included.