Background and Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to introduce, analyze, and identify the most significant features of scientific genealogy software, with the ultimate aim of proposing a conceptual model for designing a specialized scientific genealogy system tailored to the field of Information Science. Scientific genealogy software has increasingly become an essential tool for mapping academic relationships, tracing intellectual lineages, and visualizing the transmission of knowledge across generations of scholars. These systems offer a structured approach to understanding how ideas, theories, and methodologies evolve through mentorship, supervision, and institutional affiliation. Despite the growing importance of such tools within the broader academic landscape, there has been limited effort to systematically evaluate their features and adapt them to the specific needs of Information Science and Knowledge Studies. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing genealogy software, identifying their core capabilities, and developing a framework to guide future development in this field. By focusing on Information Science, the research highlights the disciplinary identity of this domain and its unique requirements for documenting scholarly heritage.
Methodology: This study was applied in nature and employed a descriptive–correlational design for data collection. In the first stage, existing genealogy software systems were reviewed, and their features were categorized. In the second stage, the study population comprised experts in Information Science and Knowledge Studies. Using purposive sampling and careful identification of knowledgeable individuals, 65 specialists in scientific genealogy within the field of Information Science were selected. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, whose content validity was confirmed by experts in the field. To establish construct validity, the results of the measurement model were examined using first-order confirmatory factor analysis. For data analysis, Smart PLS 3 software was employed, which is one of the most widely used tools for structural equation modeling. This methodological approach allowed the researchers to test hypotheses regarding the influence of different software components on overall system capabilities, ensuring that both technical and conceptual dimensions were rigorously examined.
Findings: The statistical tests indicated that several components significantly influence the capabilities of scientific genealogy software. These components include:

Data Entry and Registration – The ability to accurately record and input information directly impacts the effectiveness of genealogy systems. Without reliable data entry, the integrity of the entire system is compromised.
Search, Storage, and Retrieval – Efficient search mechanisms, along with reliable storage and retrieval functions, are critical for enabling users to access and analyze genealogical data. These features determine how easily scholars can trace academic lineages and explore intellectual connections.
Auxiliary Features – Additional functionalities, such as visualization tools, export options, and integration with external databases, contribute to enhancing the software's usability. Visualization, in particular, plays a crucial role in making complex relationships more comprehensible.
Reporting – The ability to generate structured reports and summaries was identified as an essential feature for academic and administrative purposes, enabling institutions to document scholarly contributions and supervisory networks.
Help and Guidance – Built-in guidance systems, tutorials, and user manuals significantly enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of the software, ensuring that even non-technical users can benefit from the system.
Financial Tariffs – The cost structure and licensing models also influenced the adoption and sustainability of genealogy systems. Affordable and transparent pricing models were found to encourage broader usage.

The findings demonstrated that the importance of these features is not uniform. Each software package, while sharing certain commonalities, possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from the others. Consequently, the study concluded that a combination of different genealogy systems may be necessary to achieve optimal functionality within the field of Information Science. This underscores the need for a hybrid approach that integrates diverse capabilities rather than relying on a single, monolithic system.
Discussion: Unlike general-purpose genealogy tools, systems developed for Information Science must accommodate the specific requirements of academic lineage mapping, including the representation of doctoral supervision, institutional affiliations, and interdisciplinary collaborations. This study underscores the importance of integrating both technical and organizational considerations. For instance, while advanced search and retrieval functions are indispensable, factors such as cost, accessibility, and user support must also be addressed. Furthermore, the results suggest that future development should not aim for a single “perfect” system but rather adopt a modular approach that combines the strengths of different software packages. Based on these findings, the study proposes that the development of scientific genealogy software for Information Science should be guided by a hybrid model that integrates diverse capabilities. Such a model would ensure that the system is not only technically robust but also responsive to the practical needs of researchers, educators, and administrators. By emphasizing the heterogeneity of existing tools and advocating for a composite approach, this research contributes to the advancement of Information Science as a discipline. It also provides a roadmap for enhancing the visibility and impact of scholarly genealogies, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of academic heritage and intellectual continuity. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that scientific genealogy systems, when carefully designed and adapted, can serve as powerful instruments for strengthening disciplinary identity, promoting collaboration, and preserving the intellectual legacy of Information Science.