One of the advantages of altmetrics is the diversity and multitude of data sources they refer to. This allows for valuing different sorts of scientific output, be it data, code, or contribution in a blog. However, there are also risks of using such a wide range of data for scholarly evaluation or information seeking. Within OpenUp, we have developed a category of data sources in altmetrics This classification aims at supporting researchers about what kind of data are used in altmetrics and how they can inform scholarly information seeking or dissemination strategies.
Altmetrics providers, measure different sources to provide social outreach information for scholars and institutional customers. They do not only provide Altmetrics data, by utilizing various social media platforms but also bibliometric information by sourcing large scientific databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus.
Data sources classification
Most data sources have millions of subscribers and users that allow for scientific information to travel beyond the typical audience of scholarly communication. But how the activities and data collection practices can be interpreted and classified?
Data sources used in Altmetrics can be assigned to the following categories: Social bookmarking; video, photo and slide sharing; Social networks; blogging; microblogging; recommendation and review systems; Q & A; Online Encyclopedias; Online digital libraries; Dataset repositories; Online publishers; Search engines and blog aggregators; others. The following table provides an overview of data sources and categories.
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Altmetrics are closely linked to various innovative channels of dissemination. The OpenUP Altmetrics Taxonomy will help you to better understand the correlation between the two concepts. The taxonomy provides orientation for scholars who intend to make use of these channels and for those who aim to assess or reflect about their usage. Explore the different categories of scholarly services, based on the selected dimensions.
Dimensions of analysis:
A taxonomy is an attempt to classify entities according to their properties and to certain dimensions. In this case, we have developed certain dimensions that allow for ordering of dissemination channels. Here are the selected dimensions:
Since the coining of the term, altmetrics has evolved into a hot topic in science, science policy, and the wider public. There are, however, some discussions on how altmetrics will develop in the future. What are the challenges of designing, implementing, and using altmetrics which need to be addressed in the coming years? How can these new metrics provide benefit for different user groups? On the basis of an extensive landscaping effort, we have compelled a list of strengths, weaknesses, risks and opportunities for altmetrics.