A Study on the Research Trends of Big Data at Public Libraries : with a Focus on the Journal “Public Library Quarterly”

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the Big Data-related research trends in thefield of public library by using the social network analytical method. One hundred seventeen articles published in the journal ‘Public Library Quarterly’ were analyzed with author keywords and the frequency, degree centrality, while the betweenness centrality of the keywords were examined. The keywords “programs” and “community development” demonstrated the highest degree of centrality. The keywords “programs”, “strategic planning”, “community development”, “future of libraries”, “outreach”, and “evaluation” posted a high degree of centrality and betweenness centrality. The keywords “measurement”, “survey”, “community partnerships”, and “community engagement” demonstrated a high degree of centrality but not a high betweenness centrality. Meanwhile, the keywords “planning”, “marketing”, “community needs”, and “community building” demonstrated a high betweenness centrality but not a high degree centrality. Based on the results of this study, public libraries should focus on the following directions of research when focusing on the Big Data. First, as mentioned in the above, a more in-depth discussion is needed regarding COVID-19 and social media. Second, the academic interest in the Big Data related education and training for the public librarians and educational contents is needed. Third, public libraries should think about the ways to efficiently perform their roles as a local data center, including their cooperation with other organizations in their local community.