Altmetrics : a Subfield in Development

Altmetrics, a subfield of informetrics, is still in development. The aim of this thesis is to explore; the significance altmetrics may have in the LIS field, and to define the new perspectives altmetrics offer in comparison to traditional metrics. The research questions are:- How can altmetrics affect research assessment?- How does altmetrics position itself towards traditional metrics?- How could altmetrics influence the LIS field?A qualitative content analysis was used as a method. The analysis of a sample of ten peer reviewed articles was based on a coding scheme with eleven codes. The sample was selected using Web of Science, Scopus, the Altmetrics Bibliography and chain search model. Kuhns paradigm concept was used as a theoretic framework together with the concepts Technologies of control (traditional metrics) and Technologies of narcissism (altmetrics) developed by Wouters and Costas.The results show a beginning of a paradigm shift in the research assessment field. Technologies of control with traditional metrics as measure of quality co-exist with the Technologies of narcissim using altmetrics for measuring a researchers impact on society. Altmetrics can be regarded as a complement to traditional metrics capable of evaluating research in four new perspectives: To evaluate the whole readership Potentially benefiting narrower fields Evaluation in realtime Evaluation of research productsThe significance altmetrics may have for the LIS field is to be used as an instrument for information mediation.Program: Bibliotekari