Librametry, Bibliometrics, Scientometrics, Informetrics and Webometrics

1.  Librametry, introduced by Ranganathan in 1948, focuses on the quantitative study of library resources, readers, and staff, with applications in library management and services evaluation. It involves the quantifiable measurement of library resources and activities, budgeting, manpower planning, and estimation of library use and satisfaction.
2. Bibliometrics, first coined by Prichard in 1969, encompasses studies of the growth of literature, authorship trends, obsolescence, citations, and scientific productivity, providing valuable insights into the structure and behavior of documents, authors, and scientific research.
3. Scientometrics, originated in the 1960s, focuses on the quantitative features and characteristics of science and scientific research, involving studies in sociology and history of science, literature growth, author and science indicators, and policy making.
4. Informetrics, introduced in 1979, encompasses the quantitative aspects of information, including its production, dissemination, and use in all forms, with a focus on scientific productivity, collaborative research, and the development of models for analyzing literature and scientific characteristics.
5. Webometrics and cybermetrics are concerned with measuring the World Wide Web, including the number and types of hyperlinks, structure, usage patterns, and the quantitative aspects of information resources, drawing from bibliometric and informetric approaches.
6. The theoretical and philosophical foundations of bibliometrics and scientometrics include significant studies such as Bradford’s law, Lotka’s law, circulation theory, information product and processes, and others, contributing to the development of empirical knowledge and systematic theories in the field.
7. The formation of the International Society for Informetrics and Scientometrics (ISSI) in 1993 aimed to advance the theory, methods, and mathematical modeling of information processes through quantitative studies related to science, technology, and social sciences, fostering international collaboration in these interdisciplinary fields.