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  • From the Editor: portal:Libraries and the Academy 2006 Johns Hopkins Press Award for Best Article
  • Charles B. Lowry

The portal: Libraries and the Academy Board of Editors Awards Committee is pleased to announce that "Trends in the Use of ISI Bibliometric Data: Uses, Abuses, and Implications," featured in the January 2005, Volume 5, Number 1 issue, has been awarded the 2006 Johns Hopkins University Press award for the best article featured in portal in the 2005 volume. The winning article authored by Brian D. Cameron analyzed the history of the development of impact factor, described the limitations in its use, and provided a critique of the use of impact factors in academic settings. In particular, the analysis pointed to some of the critical problems that arise when impact factor is used for selecting periodicals, primarily in scientific disciplines and the "current trend is to use this data as a means for evaluating the performance of departments, institutions, and even researchers in academic institutions—a process that is now being tied to tenure and promotion—despite the fact that such usage can be misleading and prejudicial."

The criteria used in the selection process for this award included: quality of research methodology, the extent to which the article places library issues in a broader academic or higher education context, the extent to which the article makes a significant contribution to the literature or the advancement of knowledge, timeliness, and the overall quality of writing. After an independent review of articles nominated by board members, "Trends in the Use of ISI Bibliometric Data: Uses, Abuses, and Implications" was selected as the second annual recipient. In addition to the Johns Hopkins University Press Award, the author will receive a cash prize of $500.

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