DISCUSSION ON ALTMETRICS – A FOCUSINGON VIDWAN: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Altmetrics, introduced in 2010 by Jason Priem, track research visibility and impact on social media. Tools like Altmetric, Dimensions, Impact Stories, and Plum X Metric monitor mentions, ratings, reviews, shares, and usage. A study on altmetrics using the VIDWAN database focused on data extraction from all states in India and 8 major subjects, with a specific analysis of medical and health sciences in Karnataka at state and deemed universities. The database includes 389 professors, 213 associate professors, and 375 assistant professors. Statistical methods were used to analyze data and test objectives and hypotheses for significance, with results presented in a doughnut chart showing research impact. The study highlighted the impact of INFLIBNET's services on colleges and universities in India. The VIDWAN database profiles scientists, researchers, and faculty members from top academic institutions and research organizations in India, offering detailed information on their background, contact details, experience, publications, skills, and achievements. Engineering & Technology has the most members (100,880), followed by Medical & Health Sciences (27,677), with Karnataka having the highest number of registered members at 3,571. Pharmacology and Pharmacy have the most members at 91, followed by Dentistry Oral Surgery and Medicine at 81. Yenepoya University leads with 441 members, followed by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University with 343 members. Altmetrics data in VIDWAN provides insights into the broader impact of researchers' work, including social media mentions, downloads, and views. Researchers can use altmetrics on platforms like VIDWAN to track the visibility and influence of their work in the digital age, capturing online attention and engagement around research outputs. One sample t-test was used to analyze the data in SPSS version 16.