A «Basket of Metrics»—the Best Support for Understanding Journal Merit

Abstract : Aim: To survey opinion of the assertion that useful metric based input requires a «basket of metrics» to allow more varied and nuanced insights into merit than is possible by using one metric alone. Methods : A poll was conducted to survey opinions (N=204; average response rate=61 %) within the international research community on using usage metrics in merit systems. Results : «Research is best quantified using multiple criteria» was selected by most (40 %) respondents as the reason that usage metrics are valuable, and 95 % of respondents indicated that they would be likely or very likely to use usage metrics in their assessments of research merit, if they had access to them. There was a similar degree of preference for simple and sophisticated usage metrics confirming that one size does not fit all, and that a one metric approach to merit is insufficient. Conclusion : This survey demonstrates a clear willingness and a real appetite to use a «basket of metrics» to broaden the ways in which research merit can be detected and demonstrated.