MAPPING THE GROWTH OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY PUBLICATION: A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY (2009–2023) USING OPENALEX DATA

This study examines the transformative role of blockchain technology in library operations, focusing on its potential to enhance data security, privacy, and operational efficiency. Blockchain, initially designed for secure financial transactions, is increasingly applied in library science to address challenges in user data management, acquisition processes, and collaboration. The analysis spans 2019 to 2023, leveraging bibliometric data from OpenAlex and applying frameworks like Bradford's and Lotka's Laws to uncover trends in publication growth, academic impact, and research collaboration. The findings reveal a substantial annual growth rate of 31.94% in blockchain-related research, with articles accounting for over 71% of the outputs. On average, publications received 16.38 citations, indicating strong academic influence. Keywords such as blockchain, IoT, cybersecurity, and decentralised systems dominate the thematic landscape, reflecting the growing importance of privacy-preserving technologies and decentralised frameworks in libraries.However, the study identifies significant challenges, including limited international collaborations, security concerns, and adoption barriers. The absence of global partnerships represents a missed opportunity to advance blockchain research on a broader scale. While blockchain offers innovative solutions for decentralised library management and secure data storage, its successful implementation demands strategic planning and cross-border cooperation.