Mixed methods research in library and information science: A methodological review

• Published in: Library & information science research Vol. 42; no. 1; p. 101003
• Main Authors: Granikov, Vera, Hong, Quan Nha, Crist, Emily, Pluye, Pierre
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norwood Elsevier Inc 01.01.2020; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Information science; Library and information science; Mixed methods research; Research methodology; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0740-8188; 1873-1848
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lisr.2020.101003

Mixed methods research is gaining prominence in the library and information science (LIS) discipline. However, according to previous analyses, few LIS studies utilized mixed methods research, and the researchers did not recognize or describe them as such. The present methodological review assesses the current state of mixed methods research in LIS. Eighty-four articles published between 2017 and 2018 and indexed in two core LIS databases, match the common definition of mixed methods. Out of those, 65 articles self-identified as mixed methods were analyzed focusing on reporting and conduct, specifically, the integration of quantitative and qualitative components. Review results suggest that more efforts are needed to raise awareness about using and reporting mixed methods research in LIS. This review provides guidance for future work and contributes to the discussion on how we can further improve methodological rigor, research training, and reproducibility in LIS. [Display omitted] •This methodological review analyzes self-identified mixed methods (MM) articles in library and information science (LIS).•Compared to earlier reviews, LIS researchers explicitly use the term ‘mixed methods’ and report specific MM designs.•More effort is needed to improve the conduct and reporting of MM research in LIS.