Searches and Analyses
Staff and guests of the Max Planck Society are welcome to turn to the IVS-BM and IVS-CPT for any assistance they might need in retrieving relevant information from the scientific literature - no matter how trivial or complex the request may seem. If desired, we will also perform searches and analyses on their behalf.
In addition to the databases generally available to all Max Planck users via VLib or other interfaces (e.g. CSA, Ovid, WoK), we have exclusive access rights to many important scientific reference databases such as Chemical Abstracts, World Patents Index, and others via large "online hosts" (e.g. DIALOG, DIMDI, STN-International). These hosts provide highly sophisticated tools for retrieving, analysing and managing large amounts of data. Due to many years of experience with these databases and tools, we are able to carry out professional level searches and extensive bibliometric analyses tailored to the specific purpose. See also: Interview (german) / english in MaxPlanckForschung (pdf).
Our search service is available as a supplement to your own searching efforts. After discussing your request in detail, we will decide on the most appropriate database and search strategy, carry out the search and, finally, provide the results in whatever format is most convenient for you. Our knowledge of the databases and the retrieval software, combined with our own scientific backgrounds, ensures you of receiving search results that are as precise and complete as needed.
A search request may be particularly useful:
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Bibliometrics has developed from a relativly little known discipline for a small group of specialists (e.g. information scientists, sociologists, mathematicians), to a widely applied and highly influential source of quantifiable information regarding scientific output. With the introduction of performance-oriented allocation of funds in science and research, bibliometrics is now recognised as an important instrument for the evaluation and management of science - if applied in a prudent and responsible manner.
The increasing demand for quantitative measures of science and the apparent ease of compiling bibliometric data (e.g. citation rates), has led to a situation where many scientists, administrators, librarians or secretarial staff are extracting data which they assume to be relevant without seeking prior advice from more experienced specialists. Unfortunately, due to frequent misunderstandings and errors regarding the resources, tools and methods, the resulting analyses are often incorrect, incomplete or misleading. In addition, a poorly documented, ambiguous or unintentionally biased presentation of such studies may render them totally useless for any meaningful interpretation.
Compiling reliable and informative bibliometric data requires not only knowledge of the publication practices within a scientific discipline, but also an in-depth knowledge of the respective databases and analytical methods that goes far beyond the skills needed for normal literature searching. Since the results of such studies may play a decisive role within an evaluation process, every effort should be made to ensure their correctness and to allow their objective interpretation.
Staff of the IVS-BM and IVS-CPT have been using the appropriate databases and highly advanced tools to retrieve, extract and analyse bibliometric data for more than twenty years. We are happy to provide any advice or assistance we can, including the performance of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis according to your specific needs. For more details contact us.
Links to further information and advice regarding the use and interpretation of bibliometric data are available under Citation Analyses and Impact Factors.
rss
Top
Print