Altmetric indicators
nounPronunciation: /ˌælt məˈtrɪk ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtərz/
Quantitative measures that track the online attention and impact of scholarly works through social media mentions, news coverage, blog posts, and other non-traditional sources. These metrics complement traditional citation counts by capturing broader public engagement with research.
Plain English
Numbers that show how much attention scholarly research gets on social media and other online platforms outside of academic citations.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The library began tracking altmetric indicators alongside citation counts to demonstrate the broader societal impact of faculty research."
Style guide notes: Use 'altmetric indicators' or 'altmetrics' interchangeably; both are acceptable in academic literature.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What sources contribute to altmetric indicator scores?
Sources include social media platforms, news outlets, blogs, Wikipedia, policy documents, and other online mention sources.
Should altmetric indicators replace citation counts?
No; altmetric indicators complement rather than replace traditional citations, providing broader context about research engagement and reach.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Relevant for assessing knowledge of contemporary research evaluation methods and library support for research assessment.
Required skill level: Mid