Data bibliometrics: metrics before norms

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problem of establishing metrics for the impact of research data when norms of behaviour have not yet become established.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers existing research into data citation and explores the citation of data journals.

Findings

The paper finds that the diversity of data and its citation precludes the drawing of any simple conclusions about how to measure the impact of data, and an over emphasis on metrics before norms of behaviour have become established may adversely affect the data ecosystem.

Originality/value

The paper considers multiple different types of data citation, including for the first time the citation of data journals.

Citation

Stuart, D. (2017), "Data bibliometrics: metrics before norms", Online Information Review, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 428-435. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-01-2017-0008