LGBTQ Studies and Interdisciplinarity: A Citation Analysis of Master's Theses

摘要

Emergent programs or newly established areas of study are often viewed as interdisciplinary. But how is interdisciplinarity defined or measured? The identification of research methods and the selection of objects of inquiry are significant elements in this definition. Citation analysis, however, also plays a role. Citation patterns in master's theses in the field of LGBTQ studies at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, indicate, at first glance, that the field is highly interdisciplinary. The field cites from different disciplines or areas of study as defined by the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system. A closer examination reveals that 43.3 percent of all classified citations are about LGBTQ topics, leading to the conclusion that LGBTQ studies shows an average, rather than a high, level of interdisciplinarity, and that the field has a distinct disciplinary focus. This finding informs reference work, research assistance, and bibliographic instruction.