Alternative Metrics

Alternative metrics or "altmetrics" are a way of assessing impact that reflects the way in which the scholarly community engages and disseminates research. Altmetric is also the name of a specific proprietary metric, details of which are below. 

Why are alternative metrics useful? 

Traditional research metrics tend to be based on citations. Alternative metrics may add other measures such as social media shares, media coverage and shares of the output via research management tools and repositories.  

Altmetric

Altmetric are one of the leading providers of alternative metrics. The Altmetric badge is designed to show a range of different types of engagement with an item of research.

Find out more: Altmetric for Researchers

You will find Altmetric indicators on both Discover@Bolton and UBIR. 

PlumX Metrics

PlumX Metrics are divided into five categories: 

• Citations
• Usage
• Captures
• Mentions
• Social Media

PlumX metrics are integrated into Elsevier platforms such as Scopus and ScienceDirect.