Bibliometric and scientometric analyses: challenges for specialists working in the field

Abstract

Bibliometrics and scientometrics apply quantitative methods for statistical publications and scientific activities. Currently, researchers, information specialists and librarians as well as laboratories, directors of research, universities, governments, utilize techniques and scientometric and bibliometric methods to evaluate the scientific activities. This article discusses the use of bibliometrics and scientometrics by information professionals and specialists and aims to devise and propose a set of requirements for analysis of bibliometric and scientometric analysis. From the methodological point of view, the study is based on several areas of Information Science and Sociology of Science, which were mandatory in search of theories and explanatory models, as well as the convergent and divergent views existing within the study of the metric information. The text is organized into three parts and begins by presenting a historical and conceptual overview of bibliometrics and scientometrics. After that are focused in experts involved in conducting bibliometric and scientometric analysis: librarians and researchers. Finally, we present a set of requirements to perform scientometric and bibliometric analysis, formulated from the perspective that relates the different users of this methodology and procedures necessary for its realization. The findings highlight the need for greater interaction between the various specialists involved in conducting a bibliometric analysis in view of the quality of the studies.