Research Manuscripts

Here is an example research manuscript that was published in the SRJ

Research manuscripts should investigate an original idea or set of ideas or circumstance, and may be empirical, critical, or theoretical in nature. A manuscript should move toward new directions in LIS/MARA work by critically analyzing the research.

Length

  • Manuscripts should be between 3000 and 7000 words in length, excluding reference page, tables, figures, and any appendices.

Source quality

  • Cites relevant, authoritative and/or leading scholarship
  • Sources are appropriate to the manuscript regarding currency and topic
  • Any non-scholarly sources are justified and contextualized

Significance

  • The manuscript offers a meaningful, original contribution to the scholarly conversation, addressing a current gap in the research/literature. The writing persuasively articulates a current debate, theory, or practice with critical analysis.

Content

  • Manuscript submissions should include an abstract (50-150 words), which includes the following:
    • The manuscript’s core question or problem statement, contextualized against the previous core question or problem statement
    • Main arguments—a preview or announcement of sub-topics to be discussed
    • A summary of findings
    • The author’s original and new thesis statement
  • Manuscripts should be written in a formal/academic style using the following headings as appropriate:
    • Introduction
      • Background and introduction to the paper and why the work was carried out
      • Core question and thesis statement
      • Introduction of key concepts and an outline of what will be addressed in the body of the paper
    • Body
      • Headings that provide meaningful organization
      • Synthesizes a critical evaluation of the related literature
      • Avoids a list or annotated bibliography
      • Paraphrases as opposed to using block and/or direct quotes
      • Research methodology, if present, is justified and applied
      • Theoretical foundation, if present, is clearly explained
    • Conclusion
      • Thesis (direct answer to core question)
      • Major sub-topics, categories, and supporting work summarized
      • Gaps/omissions in current scholarship identified
      • Indicates what is valuable for future study