Research Guides: Library & Information Science *: Key Journals

Key Library Science Journals - Scholarly

Shown below are some of the best sources for scholarly, academic research in the disciplines of library and information science with direct links to full text online. All descriptions have been provided by the journal or publisher. To locate the full text of other journals, go to the USC Libraries home page and search under "Journals."

College & Research Libraries
The official publication of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), provides scholarly, peer-reviewed articles as well as interviews, news from the field, legislation and meeting notes for professional college librarians.
International Journal on Digital Libraries
This journal examines the theory and practice of acquisition, definition, organization, management, and dissemination of digital information via global networking.
Journal of Academic Librarianship
JAL, an international and refereed journal, publishes articles that focus on problems and issues germane to college and university libraries.
Journal of Education for Library and Information Science
Journal of Information Technology Education
Library and Information Research
The journal of the Library and Information Research Group, available on open access, publishes both refereed and non-refereed submissions.
Library Management
Refereed journal which discusses strategy and innovative developments in the management of libraries and information services.
Library Quarterly
Scholarly, peer-reviewed articles on a wide range of library topics.
Library Trends
Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, Library Trends explores critical trends in professional librarianship, and includes practical applications, thorough analyses, and literature reviews.
Reference Librarian
The Reference Librarian publishes articles about all aspects of the reference process, some research-based and some applied.
Reference Services Review
Reference Services Review (RSR) is a leading journal dedicated to the enrichment and advancement of reference knowledge and the improvement of professional practice.
portal: Libraries and the Academy
Focusing on important research about the role of academic libraries and librarianship, portal also features commentary on issues in technology and publishing.
Public Library Quarterly
Public Library Quarterly (PLQ) is addressed to leaders-directors, managers, staff, trustees, and friends who believe that change is imperative if public libraries are to fulfill their service missions in the twenty-first century.

Key Library Science Journals - Popular & Practitioner

With fewer footnotes and more practical applications, these magazines and journals provide insights and tips into the day-to-day operations of libraries and information professionals in a wide variety of settings:

American Libraries
The monthly magazine of the American Library Association covering topics of interest to a wide range of libraries including academic, public and more.
College & Research Libraries News
Features articles, news from the field, Washington hotline, new publications, profiles and notes published by the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), part of the American Library Association (ALA). More "practical" and less scholarly than its sister publication, "College & Research Libraries."
Choice (Current Reviews for Academic Libraries)
"Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries" is a source for reviews of academic books, electronic media, and Internet resources of interest to those in higher education.
Library Leadership & Management
Published by the American Library Association (ALA), this publication focuses on assisting library administrators and managers at all levels as they deal with day-to-day challenges.
Public Libraries
News and articles of interest to public libraries, published by the American Library Association.
Chronicle of Higher Education
Although not specifically an LIS journal, the Chronicle is the preeminent trade journal for higher education and has many articles on academic libraries.
In the Library with the Lead Pipe
An open access, open peer-reviewed journal. Lead Pipe publishes articles by authors representing diverse perspectives including educators, administrators, library support staff, technologists, and community members.