Corpus linguistics is not just for linguists. Considering the potential of computer-based corpus methods for library and information science research
| Pages | 358-371 |
| Date | 18 June 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-12-2017-0271 |
| Published date | 18 June 2018 |
| Author | Lynne Bowker |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Corpus linguistics is not just
for linguists
Considering the potential of computer-based
corpus methods for library and information
science research
Lynne Bowker
School of Information Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of and interest in the techniques used in
computer-based corpus linguistics, focusing on their methodological implications for research in library and
information science (LIS).
Design/methodology/approach –This methodology paper provides an overview of computer-based
corpus linguistics, describes the main techniques used in this field, assesses its strengths and weaknesses,
and presents examples to illustrate the value of corpus linguistics to LIS research.
Findings –Overall, corpus-based techniques are simple, yet powerful, and they support both quantitative
and qualitative analyses. While corpus methods alone may not be sufficient for research in LIS, they can be
used to complement and to help triangulate the findings of other methods. Corpus linguistics techniques also
have the potential to be exploited more fully in LIS research that involves a higher degree of automation
(e.g. recommender systems, knowledge discovery systems, and text mining).
Practical implications –NumerousLIS researchers have drawnattention to the lack of diversityin research
methodsused in this field, and suggestedthat approaches permittingmixed methods researchare needed. If LIS
researchers learnabout the potential of computer-basedcorpus methods, they can diversifytheir approaches.
Originality/value –Over the past quarter century, corpus linguistics has established itself as one of the
main methods used in the field of linguistics, but its potential has not yet been realized by researchers in LIS.
Corpus linguistics tools are readily available and relatively straightforward to apply. By raising awareness
about corpus linguistics, the author hopes to make these techniques available as additional tools in the LIS
researcher’s methodological toolbox, thus broadening the range of methods applied in this field.
Keywords Research methods, Computer applications, Techniques, Software tools, Methods, Languages
Paper type General review
Introduction
Are library and information science (LIS) researchers creatures of habit? After examining
the contents of 20 high-profile LIS journals published in 2005, Hider and Pymm (2008)
identified ten different research strategies, but they found that close to one-third of all the
articles published utilized a survey-based research strategy. Likewise, an investigation by
Turcios et al. (2014) revealed that of the 11 research methods employed in 2013, surveys
remained the most popular, being used in 21 percent of the 307 LIS articles reviewed for
their study. Togia and Malliari (2017) investigated the research methods used in 440 LIS
research articles published between 2011 and 2016, and they found that the most frequently
used research strategy was the survey –accounting for 37 percent of all cases –confirming
the well-documented predominance of survey-based research in LIS. Meanwhile, after
completing a longitudinal investigation into the research methods used in LIS during the
40-year period between 1970 and 2010, Gauchi Risso (2016) asserted that LIS needs new
methodological dev elopments, which sh ould combine qualitat ive and quantitativ e
approaches. Togia and Malliari (2017) emphasized the diverse and often multidisciplinary
nature of research problems in LIS, suggesting that more diversity in research methods is
also needed, and noting that mixed methods approaches, in particular, have not yet gained
enough recognition in LIS research.
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 36 No. 2, 2018
pp. 358-371
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-12-2017-0271
Received 9 December 2017
Revised 23 February 2018
Accepted 6 March 2018
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
358
LHT
36,2
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