The May-August 2025 issue of the Information Research Chronicle presents a fascinating tapestry of scholarly inquiry that reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary research. From the transformation of library sciences to the quantitative analysis of scientific impact, this collection of articles demonstrates how modern scholarship continues to evolve, adapt, and respond to the changing needs of our knowledge-driven society.

At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question about the role of information institutions in our rapidly digitizing world. Susanta Koley’s review article, “From Books to People: The Changing Role of Libraries,” serves as a cornerstone piece that addresses one of the most significant paradigm shifts in information science. The transition from book-centered repositories to people-centered service hubs represents more than just a technological evolution-it embodies a philosophical transformation in how we conceptualize knowledge dissemination and community engagement.

This transformation is particularly relevant in our post-pandemic world, where digital literacy has become as essential as traditional literacy. Libraries are no longer merely custodians of physical collections but have emerged as dynamic community centers that bridge digital divides, facilitate lifelong learning, and foster social connection. The implications of this shift extend far beyond library walls, influencing how we design educational curricula, urban planning, and social policy.

The biographical tribute to Bibha Chowdhuri, presented by Koley and Goswami in “From Earth to the Stars,” offers a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing pioneering contributions to science, particularly those of underrepresented scientists. Chowdhuri’s work in cosmic ray physics not only advanced our understanding of particle physics but also broke significant barriers for women in science during an era when such opportunities were severely limited.

This biographical analysis serves a dual purpose: it preserves scientific history while highlighting the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. By examining the legacy of pioneering scientists like Chowdhuri, we gain valuable insights into the social and institutional factors that either facilitate or hinder scientific progress. Such studies remind us that science is not conducted in a vacuum but is deeply influenced by social, political, and cultural contexts.

The bibliometric analyses presented in this issue-examining Indian scientists on the Stanford List, Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal publications, and inventory management research-collectively paint a picture of how we measure and understand scientific productivity and impact in the 21^st century. These studies are more than statistical exercises; they represent critical tools for understanding research trends, identifying emerging fields, and assessing the health of various scientific disciplines.

The study by Demir and Sharma on Indian scientists’ representation in prestigious international rankings raises important questions about global research equity and recognition. While celebrating achievements, it also prompts us to consider the systemic factors that influence scientific visibility and the potential biases inherent in citation-based metrics. Similarly, the analysis of the Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal demonstrates how specialized medical fields are evolving and contributing to global knowledge, while the inventory management study shows how interdisciplinary approaches are becoming increasingly valuable in addressing complex practical problems.

The articles addressing information literacy instruction and ICT integration in Nigerian educational institutions highlight the critical challenges facing developing educational systems in our increasingly digital world. The work by Dada and Atte reveals the complex realities that academic librarians and educators face when attempting to implement information literacy programs and integrate technology into traditional educational frameworks.

These studies are particularly significant because they address the global digital divide from a practical, ground-level perspective. They remind us that technological advancement is not uniformly distributed and that successful implementation requires careful consideration of local contexts, resources, and cultural factors. The challenges identified in these Nigerian case studies likely mirror similar difficulties faced by educational institutions worldwide, making these findings relevant far beyond their immediate geographic context.

The econometric analysis of inflation’s impact on Indian stock markets represents the type of applied research that demonstrates academia’s potential to contribute meaningful insights to real-world economic challenges. In an era of global economic uncertainty, such research becomes increasingly valuable for policymakers, investors, and economic planners.

This type of interdisciplinary work-combining mathematical modeling, economic theory, and practical application-exemplifies the kind of scholarship that can bridge the often-criticized gap between academic research and societal needs. It demonstrates how rigorous scientific methods can be applied to contemporary challenges, potentially informing decision-making processes that affect millions of lives.

Perhaps one of the most intellectually provocative pieces in this collection is the examination of “The Uncertainties of Knowledge and Learning: Crossroads of the Teacher-Researcher.” This work by Mosquera-Albornoz and colleagues addresses fundamental epistemological questions that underlie all scholarly endeavor. In an age of information overload and rapid technological change, understanding the nature of knowledge itself becomes increasingly crucial.

The teacher-researcher dynamic explored in this article reflects broader questions about how knowledge is created, validated, and transmitted. It acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in the learning process while recognizing that such uncertainties are not obstacles to be eliminated but rather integral components of intellectual growth and discovery.

The commentary piece examining the potential impact of Chile’s 1973 coup on scientific productivity offers a sobering reminder of how political upheaval can influence scientific progress. This analysis by Rau raises important questions about the relationship between political stability and scientific advancement, suggesting that the effects of authoritarian regimes may have long-lasting impacts on a nation’s scientific capacity.

Such historical analyses are crucial for understanding how external factors-political, social, and economic-shape scientific progress. They remind us that science, while striving for objectivity, does not exist in isolation from broader societal forces. Understanding these relationships is essential for developing policies that protect and promote scientific research, particularly in times of political uncertainty.

Collectively, these articles present a comprehensive view of contemporary challenges and opportunities in information science, education, and scholarly research. They demonstrate the interconnected nature of knowledge production, the importance of historical perspective, and the need for inclusive and equitable approaches to scientific advancement.

Adaptation and Evolution: Whether discussing libraries, educational institutions, or research methodologies, these articles consistently highlight the need for adaptation in response to technological and social change.

Global Perspective with Local Context: While many issues are global in nature, successful solutions require deep understanding of local contexts and constraints.

Interdisciplinary Approaches: The most compelling research presented here crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, suggesting that complex contemporary challenges require integrated approaches.

Equity and Inclusion: Multiple articles address questions of representation, access, and inclusion, reflecting growing awareness of these issues in academic and professional contexts.

Measurement and Assessment: The various bibliometric and analytical studies demonstrate both the value and limitations of quantitative approaches to understanding complex phenomena.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21^st century, the research presented in this issue of Information Research Chronicle offers valuable insights into how we might build more effective, inclusive, and responsive systems for creating and sharing knowledge. The transformation of libraries from book repositories to people-centered institutions serves as a metaphor for broader changes needed throughout our knowledge infrastructure.

The biographical tribute to Bibha Chowdhuri reminds us to honour the contributions of all scientists while working to ensure that future generations have more equitable opportunities to contribute to human knowledge. The various bibliometric analyses provide tools for understanding and improving our research enterprise, while the educational studies offer practical insights for addressing real-world challenges.

Perhaps most importantly, these articles collectively argue for a more nuanced, contextual, and humanistic approach to understanding knowledge production and dissemination. They remind us that behind every citation, every educational innovation, and every research breakthrough are human beings working within complex social, political, and economic systems.

As we move forward, the challenge will be to maintain rigorous standards of scholarly inquiry while ensuring that our knowledge systems serve all of humanity. This requires not only technological innovation and methodological sophistication but also wisdom, empathy, and a deep commitment to human flourishing. The research presented here provides valuable building blocks for constructing such a future.