Research Metrics is the term given to a variety of statistics that measure usage of research publications, the term bibliometrics is also often used interchangeably, although it does have a slightly different meaning. Bibliometrics refers to the statistical analysis of bibliographic data of written publications.
Metrics can be used collectively to help indicate how widely a publication is being read, cited, borrowed and/or mentioned in the academic and public sphere. They can also help identify topics of research, visualize co-working or co-authoring networks, and aid in journal subscription decisions. At Derby, research metrics were used in REF2021 to complement the expert peer review process for research outputs, and it will also play a part in the upcoming REF2029.
Although metrics offer a wealth of information, care should be taken when interpreting the data and it is recommended that both qualitative and quantitative measures are used in any assessment of research. It is important to note that research metrics are not impact (and vice versa) but can inform impact. Impact is much more wide ranging and needs to take into account qualitative data as well. More information about impact can be found on the Impact Intranet site.
This guide gives information about some of the common metrics that you may have heard about. It also provides an introduction to altmetrics (alternative metrics), as well as tools and resources, including SciVal. For more information please contact the Research Intelligence Librarian Naomi Richards. Please use the menu on the left hand side of the screen to navigate through the guide.
