One of the arguments used for open access is potentially higher impact. In science, impact is often measured using citation rate as an indicator. However, this is neither the only nor a non-controversial indicator. Elena Giglia from University of Turin in her presentation, though aware of the problems of citation-based Impact Factor, chooses this indicator to study the impact of open access, because it is a well-established and accepted measure. She compares data from the Journal Citation Report and from DOAJ. The exact methodology and results can be found in the article in the conference proceedings. But all in all, the conclusion of the study is that open access research are doing quite well in terms of Impact Factor, given their relative newcomer status. Elena Giglia concluded, that open access journals can compete with ‘traditional’ journals.
Although her study has focused on ‘gold’ open access. However, in discussion, Elena Giglia also noted that ‘green’ open access appears to lead to higher citation rates. She also stressed again that the Impact Factor is but one indicator. In the digital world, other indicators (e.g. download rates) can be used to measure impact.
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Filed under: Conference, English Tagged: | elPub2010, open access
