Trends

Our recent article about altmetrics introduced the concept and highlighted some of its benefits. We’ll now dive behind the metrics and explore what this young concept needs in order to achieve its full potential. Read also our introduction to altmetrics: “Altmetrics, Part I: Tracking research” Two experts on the topic, Stefanie Haustein, a post-doctoral researcher … Continued

Altmetrics is a way to measure online attention gained by research. The word derives from alternative (biblio)metrics. Outlined originally in the Altmetrics Manifesto [1], altmetrics have with the developments of last years risen as supplementors to more traditional metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), h-index, SJR and Eigenfactor. Sources of altmetrics data come … Continued

Massimiano Bucchi1 has stated how science communication has moved from mediated to more direct communication from the researcher to consumer. The responsibility held by science journalists has shifted towards the scientists themselves. Universities’ increasing pressures to show an impact in society and the availability of new communication channels have changed academic work. Besides discussing their … Continued

What good does it do to spend your time communicating about your work, instead of actually working on your research project? Research-related communication has become more and more important during recent years. Tools for spreading the word The current channels of communication demand researchers to think about how to make their messages interesting, newsworthy, timely … Continued

A book purchase for a private person is often “forever”. Many of us adore books and enjoy simply having them around, to browse at leisure or to be coffee table vanities reflecting our intellect and taste. Although academic books may be loaned more than favourite novels, books borrowed from private collections are cared for. The … Continued

In theory electronic books, or e-books, are only data files containing textual information. The distinction between digital texts and e-books is essentially arbitrary. Technically, the concept of an e-book is as old as the concept of digital text. Utopian ideas of unrestricted and lightning-fast dissemination of information can, and have been, associated with e-books just … Continued

Having to pay for access to academic articles is problematic, even if one recognizes the legitimacy of the business model. Paying for a myriad of journals is expensive to whichever institution has to pick up the researchers’ tab. Penny-pinching is hardly an option, either: not having timely access to relevant articles can become a severe … Continued