Exploring the pattern of links between Chinese university Web sites

This study compares the links between 76 Chinese university Web sites with ranks obtained from the NetBig lists, using a specialized Web crawler to collect the link data. In addition to providing a background to the higher education system in mainland China, we describe the NetBig ranking scheme. We then explain some of the site crawling problems encountered, including viruses and slow download times. The results show a significant correlation between link counts and research ranks from four different perspectives, although further research found that university size could be a possible cause. The extensive interlinking between Chinese university Web sites also indicates that these sites may serve as important information sources for researchers within or outside China.