The Concept of Methodology in Library and Information Science

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the historical development of the concept of methodology in library and information science. The study uses the methodology proposed by Lakatos to understand the history of research programs. The paper has three parts: 1) the concept of methodology in pioneer library science, 1850-1900; 2) the concept of methodology in attempting librarianship on a scientific basis, 1901-1950; and 3) the concept of methodology at the crossroads: librarianship or information science?, 1950-1993.