Evaluating the scientific outputs of information management researchers in WoS

The scientometrics are one of the most efficient methods of evaluating scientific outputs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the scientific outputs of all information management researchers in the Web of Science (WoS) in 2000-2018.

This applied study was performed using co-word analysis. The statistical population included all scientific outputs (n=2810) of information management researchers, indexed in ISI during 2000-2018 (2810 records). The required data were collected from the mentioned database through entering “information management” words into the subject field and compiled into Excel as well as the required tables and charts were drawn. Moreover, the data needed to draw the maps in Tab Delimited format were collected and entered into Excel software. Co-authorship maps of institutions and countries were then drawn for visualization using VOS-Viewer software.

The results showed that the most productive topics were in the fields of computer science as well as information engineering and library science. China, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) were ranked first to third in science production. The US, UK and Germany were ranked highest in cooperation between countries, respectively. The Washington University had the most scientific outputs, and the universities of Leipzig, Wisconsin, Heidelberg, Amsterdam, Carolina, Washington and so on were top in inter-university collaborations.

The results showed that during this period, the data release process had many ups and downs. Acquiring top ranks in the production of science by developed and modern countries such as the US, UK, China and Germany has indicated that the use of new technologies, information tools and modern information sources plays a leading role in the agility of science production. The universities both are empowered and play a significant role in the advancement of science in this way. Therefore, other countries should make additional efforts to achieve this by using a knowledge sharing and networking approach. They must be members of information networks to find partner and co-authoring couples and enjoy free information services.