Think of bibliometric data as a tool, not the toolbox. It shows how research produced at the University of Waterloo is used and cited in publications such as scholarly journals.
Working with Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) and the Office of Research, the Library captures elements of Waterloo’s research impact. It also studies how external organizations use bibliometric data, including the bibliometric data driving a number of university rankings.
“The Library does a great job of helping us make sense of this complex data,” says Jana Carson, Manager, Education and Accountability, IAP.
And the Library has another important job to do with the campus community — engage and educate. It co-authored a white paper, published in 2016, to raise awareness of bibliometrics as one means among many to measure excellence at Waterloo.
“Our colleagues in the Library were instrumental in getting us through that process,” says Tamer Ozsu, Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Mathematics, and Chair, Working Group on Bibliometrics.
Bibliometric data can never tell us the entire picture; however it offers a snapshot of research impact and research productivity.
SHANNON GORDON, Bibliometrics and Research Impact Librarian
