A study of editorial boards composition: a review of Q1 journals in the field of library and information science

Shamima Yesmin () and Sabiha Tasmim ()
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Shamima Yesmin: Noakhali Science and Technology University, Institute of Information Sciences
Sabiha Tasmim: Noakhali Science and Technology University, Institute of Information Sciences

Scientometrics, 2025, vol. 130, issue 11, No 13, 6227-6251

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore the editorial board composition of Q1 journals in the domain of Library and Information Science (LIS) with a focus on the trends of gender distribution, geographical affiliation, and occupation of board members. Data were collected from 67 LIS journals published as Q1 journals (by SCImago Journal Rank), information about 4004 editors and editorial board members was downloaded and cross-checked based on journals’ homepages. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test methods using python programming language. The early results showed that most of the Q1 journals have a low representation of female editors and board members (38%). Gender disparity is more pronounced at the top editorial level, where only 13 women are editors-in-chief. Geographic analysis shows editorial dominance by North America and Europe, together accounting for 67% of all members. Furthermore, journals tend to favor editors from their publishing region—87% of editors in European journals are based in Europe, while 80% of editors in North American journals are from the same region. Professionally, teaching faculty dominate editorial roles, while library professionals, researchers, and administrative staff remain underrepresented. Chi-square tests confirmed statistically significant relationships between gender and region, gender and profession, and gender and editorial role. The study contributes a comprehensive assessment of editorial board diversity in LIS and calls for more inclusive, transparent practices to improve gender, geographic, and professional representation in academic publishing. According to authors knowledge, no study has been conducted on Q1 journals in the domain of LIS.

Keywords: Editorial board; SCImago Q1 journals; Gender disparity; Editors’ geographical location; Editors’ affiliations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-025-05439-3

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