Library and Information Science Research in Botswana: an analysis of trends and patterns

This paper considers the library and information science research that has been conducted in Botswana since 1979 when the library school at the University of Botswana was opened. The period considered is from 1980 to 2006, a period of 27 years. The paper attempts to link the research and publication trends with the historical, social and cultural factors in Botswana. The conclusion is that Botswana has a relatively young history of library and information services as well as library education; that the research activities have not been informed by a research agenda and that there has not been significant collaboration between practitioners and academics primarily because for practitioners, research and publication is not viewed as essential to their job progression. Research skills are very crucial for empirical research, and the fact that most research has been descriptive may point to some deficiency in that regard. Other factors that impinge on research have been identified as lack of funding, lack of time, and research that does not necessarily address the issues and challenges of the profession in Botswana. The paper concludes by providing recommendations on what needs to be done to address the current situation.