Information Science in Portugal in the first decades of the 21st century: A preliminary approach to an Ibero-American cartography

Abstract

Objective: This work aims to contribute to an Ibero-American cartography through the analysis of the scientific production in Information Science in Portugal.
Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to fulfil this objective, the training offered in Information Science in the country was obtained, the results of the advanced research focused on the doctoral theses defended in Portuguese universities and related themes, and analyzed the scientific journals published in Portugal
Results/Discussion: The thematic analysis of the completed theses shows a strong concentration of the majority of the content of the research produced, within the scope of the doctoral programs analyzed, around a minority group of themes and sub-themes, interpreted as tendencies. As far as journals are concerned, there is a very meritorious recent editorial work, which involves the requalification of titles in formal and content terms.
Conclusions: The training in Portugal in the area of Information Science has a long-time course, having undergone a significant transformation in the last two decades. The increase in the number of doctorates is a very positive signal for Information Science in Portugal. The journals published in Portugal reflect a clear trend towards the option of the ‘golden road’.
Originality/Value: This work analyzes the main transformations in the training in Information Science in Portugal, highlighting the advanced training in quantitative terms and research trends, as well as the main channels of dissemination of research, the scientific journals published in Portugal and their adaptation to a requirement presence in international databases.