Digital Literacy and Competencies in Libraries and Information Centers: Global Research Trends and Knowledge Mapping

The purpose of this study is to examine digital literacy and competencies (DLCs) in libraries and information centers (LICs) by analyzing global research trends and mapping existing knowledge structures. Using a bibliometric approach, it identifies key patterns, influential contributors and research gaps. A dataset of 884 publications on DLCs in LICs indexed in Scopus between 1982 and 2024 was analyzed via Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and OpenRefine. The findings of this study show steady growth in research output since 2000, with journal articles dominating. Brian Detlor (McMaster University, Canada) emerged as the most productive author, with single-author contributions prevailing. McMaster University was the leading institution, the United States was the most productive country, and Library Philosophy and Practice was the most prolific source. The most highly cited paper was “Information and digital literacies: a review of concepts.” Prominent keywords included digital literacy, information literacy, libraries, higher education, and human–computer interaction. The thematic and factorial maps revealed an interconnected scholarly landscape and international collaboration patterns, offering insights for policy and practice to advance digital literacy in library contexts.