Introduction: This paper presents a review of research framed within the concept of social capital and published by library and information science researchers. Method: Ninety-nine papers fitting the criteria of having a specific library and information science orientation were identified from two periodical databases: "Library and information science and technology abstracts" and "Library literature." Analysis: Each of the papers was read to identify which social capital theorists were cited, the research area of the researchers and how social capital was conceptualised and measured. Results: The review found that although social capital was conceptualised somewhat differently depending on the research focus, social capital, in general, was investigated from either a societal or individual (and sometimes both) perspective and was defined as the benefits derived from both bonding and bridging ties. Conclusion: Although the conceptualisation of social capital across the various research areas in library and information science has largely converged, there still remain concerns about measurement validity.