The Webometric Status of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Webometrics refers to the quantitative study of science production، application، structure and technology in the cyber environment. Furthermore، webometrics is applied in ranking studies for universities and academic centers as an internationally approved mean. Our study aimed to evaluate the webometric status of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS)، Iran، and its place in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including all websites of Iranian universities. Census sampling was applied to cover all Iranian university websites. Then، the websites were evaluated according to the latest criteria for the international webometrics ranking methodology (Cyberometric Lab، July 2012) and their webometrics rank at international level and the changes in the rank between July 2012 and January 2013 were analyzed. The webometrics rank of IUMS was compared with other medical universities at different levels as well. From July 2012 to January 2013، IUMS webometrics rank improved 707، 5 and 2 at international، national and ministerial levels، respectively. Moreover، the IUMS rank for openness rose from 4477 to 193 (∆ = 4284) during the studied period. In excellence، the university rank did not change sensibly (1537 to 1538). In the same period، the rank in presence shifted from 1137 to 1091. Meanwhile، growth in website impact was negative as the university impact rank declined from 3369 to 3393. It seems that impact as the most influential ranking indicator fails to grow proportionately as other factors in IUMS website. This is potentially due to the content language (Farsi) which is an important barrier to easy retrieval of information by non-Farsi speakers. However، the scientific content and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) standards of the website need serious improvement.