A bibliometric analysis of Universitas Scientiarum

Dear Editor
Dr. Raúl A. Poutou, Ph. D.
Universitas Scientiarum, Facultad de Ciencias,
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Departamento de Información Científica y Técnica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Argentina. editorfm@gmail.com

Bibliometry is the science that enables a quantitative analysis of scientific production through the scientific literature by studying the nature and evolution of a scientific discipline (1, 2, 3). Bibliometric indicators are widely used in the assessment of researchers, institutions and countries, although data collected should not be interpreted in isolation as is commonly done with the impact factor (1.).

The study done by Escorcia-Otálora and Poutou-Piñales (4) is very important not only because it provides a bibliometric perspective of what happened with Universitas Scientiarum in 20 years, but also because it is a contribution to bibliometry in Latin America, where these studies are not a common practice and are even just beginning in some countries. It would be important to deepen the analysis field by field to monitor their evolution and to propose suitable research policies particular to each field.

More indicators could be used in further studies and preparing a Colombian bibliometric map should be something to start thinking about. It would be fruitful to learn about the information consumption of the Colombian scientists and produce national or regional (Latin American) impact systems to reward and demand publications in local journals.

Current Latin American science is misinterpreting the impact factor and thus impoverishing regional science (and its periodical publications); we need these studies to promote a bibliometric culture and make suggestions on how to improve the assessment systems used to assess institutions, journals and researchers.

Sincerely,

Diego Camps, MD
Departamento de Información Científica y Técnica,
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Argentina.

Referencias

1. Camps, D. Limitaciones de los indicadores bibliométricos en la evaluación de la actividad científica biomédica. Colombia Médica, 2008, 39 (1): 74-79.

2. Rousseau R. Indicadores bibliométricos y econométricos en la evaluación de instituciones científicas. ACIMED, 2001, 9: 23-9.

3. Camps D. Estudio bibliométrico general de colaboración y consumo de la información en artículos originales de la revista Universitas Médica, período 2002 a 2006. Universitas Médica, 2007, 48 (4): 358-365.

4. Escorcia-Otálora TA, Poutou-Piñales RA. Análisis bibliométrico de los artículos originales publicados en la revista Universitas Scientiarum (1987-2007). Universitas Scientiarum, 2008, 13(3): 236-244.