Bibliometric practices and activities at the University of Vienna

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe bibliometrics as an emergent field for academic libraries. There is a constant need to adapt to the ongoing changes and new demands of today's information environment, and the increasing importance of bibliometrics certainly presents a great opportunity for librarians to broaden their horizon. Design/methodology/approach - The ideas outlined here are based on supporting information derived from literature and on practical experience gained at the Vienna University Library, Austria. A rationale is given why libraries should provide bibliometric services followed by a short overview of how the Bibliometrics Department in Vienna came into being. The focus of the paper is set on a detailed description of its practices and activities. Findings - Bibliometrics is ideal for librarians to develop and provide innovative services for both academic and administrative university staff. In doing so they make sure to actively participate in the development of new strategies and in fostering innovation. Peer-review is increasingly complemented by quantitative methods like bibliometrics, and librarians are predestined to fill this role and strengthen their on-campus position. Furthermore bibliometrics is an emerging field in "Information Science", thus librarians should make use of their experiences gained from bibliometric services provided or projects engaged in and disseminate their findings in the scientific community. Practical implications - The case study of the Bibliometrics Department in Vienna can be useful for other academic libraries who wish to become more engaged in this field or even plan to implement according services. Originality/value - This is an original paper, which has been presented at the QQML 2011 in Athens. It provides useful information on how an academic library can adopt bibliometrics as a core role.