David Stoker (Editor 1991 - 2001) documented the founding of the journal in his first Editorial, describing how Dudley persuaded a largely sceptical Library Association of the need for a research-based journal, given post-war developments in scientific and technical literature and the parallel growth in both the number of libraries and advances in librarianship and information science.

Jonathan Furner provided an overview of the publication and printing history of the journal in the 40th anniversary issue in 2009.

[2] Journal of Librarianship and Information Science publishes original papers and review articles, viewpoints and book reviews which reflect aspects of librarianship and information science focusing on the results of research and reports of significant developments in working practice.

The Editorial Team is committed "to publishing quality research papers from scholars and practitioners around the world which will be of interest to those practising and studying librarianship and information science".

Forthcoming articles published online ahead of the print issues of the journal are available through OnlineFirst.