Bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of the information architecture related to libraries

Abstract

Objective. Information architecture is a determinant guiding element for content layout and user navigation. This work aims at identifying and characterizing the scientific production about information architecture related to libraries. Method. In order to achieve the objective, a bibliometric review and a systemic analysis were conducted, the first to identify the most cited articles, the most productive authors in the field, the main journals; and the latter to characterize the debate and results presented in the articles. For the structured literature review, the Proknow-C method was utilized. The search was made in the Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases. Results. One hundred fifteen articles were identified. Three peaks in the number of publications in 2001 (5), 2002 (6) and 2006 (4) were identified. Conclusions. The publications were concentrated in the Social Sciences and Computer Science. The main keywords (Digital libraries, Information architecture and World Wide Web) already contextualize and represent the content of the recovered articles. In relation to content analysis of the articles, a possible convergence in papers aimed towards studies of information architecture and digital libraries is discussed, which is very coherent with the current literature. We point out information architecture makes digital information environments better labelled and facilitates information access.