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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)

Library Hi Tech

ISSN: 0737-8831

Article publication date: 16 April 2018

Issue publication date: 9 May 2018

989

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

Numerous LIS researchers have drawn attention to the lack of diversity in research methods used in this field, and suggested that approaches permitting mixed methods research are needed. If LIS researchers learn about the potential of computer-based corpus methods, they can diversify their 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

Acknowledgements

An unpublished version of this paper was selected as the winner of the 2018 ALISE/ProQuest Methodology Paper Competition, and thanks are due to the competition reviewers for their helpful feedback and encouragement, as well as to the anonymous reviewers of Library Hi Tech. The author is grateful to Mike Scott, developer of the WordSmith Tools corpus analysis software package, for permission to use screenshots. As stated on the WordSmith Tools site, “For non-profit-making academic use: No need to ask. You are hereby granted permission” (http://lexically.net/publications/copyright_permission_for_screenshots.htm).

Citation

Bowker, L. (2018), "Corpus linguistics is not just for linguists: Considering the potential of computer-based corpus methods for library and information science research", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 358-371. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-12-2017-0271

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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