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Citation Analysis

Some definitions of alternative metrics

In Altmetrics 101: A Primer, James Careless writes:  Like it or not, altmetrics will become influential as the world becomes more web-based. As a result, what is really up for grabs is not whether altmetrics will take hold (because its ascendance is inevitable) but the usefulness, quality, and fairness of the information collected using altmetrics. Source: Information Today, Feb 2013

Altmetrics is the study and use of non-traditional scholarly impact measures that are based on activity in web-based environments. As scholarship increasingly moves online, these metrics track associated interactions and activity to generate fine-grained data, allowing researchers and policy makers to create a higher resolution picture of the reach and impact of academic research. Source:  Altmetrics, PLOS Collections

Examples of Altmetrics include:

  • mentions on social media and news sites
  • exports to citation management systems
  • downloads
  • comments on blogs or similar online chatter

Databases using altmetrics

There are many tools available to help acquire data that can be used as an alternative metric to show impact.  Many of these are discipline specific or require a creative approach based on an individual's publication history and profession.  However, there are resources that have a broad relevance. Listed below are a few examples.

In addition, some databases are now including alternative metrics to show activity about articles published in journals they index. For example check out:

There are also some tools that try to compile alternative metrics for you.  Most of these services require a subscription of some kind.

Resources