Challenges in evaluating publications – Library's metrics and evaluation services can help!
Do you need information on publication metrics, such as the number of publications, publication types, citation counts, or the international reach of your research? Or perhaps support in assessing the reliability of a publication channel? The library’s metrics and evaluation services provide support for these needs.
Publication metrics can be used to examine the visibility and impact of research by using various quantitative methods to analyse scholarly publications, authors and citations. Metrics and evaluation services can help with publication metrics.
Guidance
Evaluating the reliability and quality of publications is becoming increasingly complex. There are various lists of reliable publications and predatory journals online but there can also be vague actors behind these lists. The library can help you assess the reliability of a publication channel.
The library also provides advice on other issues related to publication metrics and their responsible use.
Training
The library regularly organizes training sessions on tools used for evaluating publications and researchers. Additionally, there are webinars on a variety of topics. This autumn, the focus is on the Scopus and Web of Science databases from a researcher’s perspective, exploring, for example, what kind of metrics data can be found for one’s own publications.
All training sessions can be found in the library’s training calendar and in the Konsta staff training calendar. The library also offers tailored training on publication metrics, customized to meet the needs of specific departments or research groups.
Guides
The library's guide on Evaluation Based on Scientific Publications includes links and instructions to all key citation databases, as well as guidelines for the responsible use of metrics.
For a more comprehensive introduction to publication metrics, see the Finnish national guide to publication metrics, in which the University of Turku Library has also participated.
Analyses
The library also conducts analyses for various purposes, including the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Before performing an analysis, the library will discuss with the client the type of analysis that can be carried out, its scope, timeframe and any potential costs.
Contact us!
Do you want to request tailored training, ask about metrics, or verify the reliability of a particular journal as a publication channel? Contact us at library@utu.fi