The handicap principle: a new perspective for library and information science research

Introduction. The paper introduces a new perspective for library and information science research known as the handicap principle (a.k.a. the theory of costly signaling). Research has demonstrated that this perspective can explain prosocial behaviour - something which conventional cost-benefit theories traditionally have failed to accomplish. Method. In order to exemplify the potentials of the handicap principle for library and information science research, the paper focuses on the practice of academic book reviewing. Analysis. The paper analyses the book reviewing activity of authors in the field of economics (1985-2006). Results. The paper demonstrates that conventional cost- benefit theories fail to explain the prosocial behaviour of academic book reviewing. Instead, an alternative explanation based on the handicap principle is tested with positive results. Conclusion. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of the handicap principle as a theory for understanding the act of academic book reviewing - an act that is difficult to understand from traditional cost- benefit views such as the principle of least effort.