A measure and the related models for characterizing the usage of academic journal

IF 3.4 2区管理学 Q2 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INTERDISCIPLINARY APPLICATIONS

Journal of Informetrics Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI:10.1016/j.joi.2025.101643

Lili Qiao , Star X. Zhao , Yutong Ji , Wu Li

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Based on the underlying usage data given by the Web of Science, we establish a novel metric, termed U_h-index for multi-dimensional assessment of academic journals. Our research objectively examines the empirical and theoretical dimensions of the U_h-index, assessing its validity and potential use in scientific evaluation. For this study, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the U_h-index for 1,603 journals across the fields of physics, chemistry, economics, and management, and explored potential theory models. It reveals that the U_h-index, as a literature metric based on usage data, is more sensitive and discriminatory compared to the h-index, which relies solely on citation data. Additionally, the U_h-index and paper usage data were consistent with both the Glänzel–Schubert and the power-law model. It indicates that the U_h index, as an impact observatory index, aligns with the fundamental principles of scientific knowledge dissemination, thereby holding significant scientific value. It facilitates the quantification of dissemination characteristics of core articles in journals, laying the foundation for a novel approach to categorizing and evaluating journals based on both theoretical orientation and practical application. Finally, from a multidimensional research evaluation perspective, the U_h index offers a transitional dimension for observation, bridging the gap between academic citations and the broader dissemination of research through on social media.

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来源期刊

Journal of Informetrics Social Sciences-Library and Information Sciences

CiteScore

6.40

自引率

16.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： Journal of Informetrics (JOI) publishes rigorous high-quality research on quantitative aspects of information science. The main focus of the journal is on topics in bibliometrics, scientometrics, webometrics, patentometrics, altmetrics and research evaluation. Contributions studying informetric problems using methods from other quantitative fields, such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics and econometrics, and network science, are especially encouraged. JOI publishes both theoretical and empirical work. In general, case studies, for instance a bibliometric analysis focusing on a specific research field or a specific country, are not considered suitable for publication in JOI, unless they contain innovative methodological elements.