Incorporating the gender perspective into Library and Information Science research

Abstract

This paper emphasizes the vital role of incorporating a gender perspective into Library and Information Science (LIS) research, based on a scoping review of the last fifteen years of existing literature. Traditionally, LIS has suffered from gender blindness, where gender is often overlooked as a critical variable in studies related to technology use, information behavior, and service design. This oversight leads to incomplete findings and inequitable information services. The paper advocates for integrating feminist theories to rectify these imbalances. It offers a framework for applying gender-sensitive methodologies to LIS research, particularly focusing on teaching research within the LIS field. A key contribution of the paper is its practical recommendation on how to improve student support and assess their research training through a gender-sensitive rubric framed within the LIS field. By incorporating a gender-sensitive rubric, educators can more effectively support and evaluate student research, fostering inclusivity and critical awareness in academic practice. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of applying a feminist lens in emerging areas of LIS, such as artificial intelligence and big data, where gender biases can result in discriminatory outcomes.