Traditional and Modern Dimensions of Library Management Research in India (2014 – 2024): A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric assessment of library management research in India from 2014 to 2024, drawing on 7,986 publications indexed in OpenAlex. Using Biblioshiny (R 4.5.1), the analysis evaluates annual research growth, core publication sources, author productivity, institutional contributions, collaboration structures, thematic evolution, and citation impact. The findings show a remarkable  increase in research output over the decade, reflecting rapid expansion and diversification of scholarly activity. Publication patterns reveal a highly concentrated source structure consistent with Bradford’s Law, with the SSRN Electronic Journal and Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies emerging as dominant outlets. Lotka’s Law analysis indicates that nearly 85% of authors produced a single paper, while a small cohort of highly productive scholars shaped much of the field’s intellectual output. Although India leads in total publications and cumulative citations, the average citation impact per article remains lower than that of several globally influential countries, underscoring the need for enhanced research visibility and international collaboration. Thematic and keyword analyses demonstrate a clear shift toward technology-mediated and management-oriented research areas, including decision-making models, big data applications, supply chain systems, and AI-driven innovations. Collaboration network mapping reveals cohesive but siloed author clusters, suggesting limited cross-institutional and interdisciplinary engagement. The study highlights a rapidly expanding yet unevenly impactful research landscape, offering evidence-based insights for strengthening research quality, fostering global partnerships, and advancing the international standing of Indian library management research.