Publication metrics can provide insight into the reach of your own research through citation and engagement indicators. Researchers may wish to include metrics in their CVs, tenure and promotion materials, and grant applications. Metrics can also be used to evaluate and compare journals for potential publication. This guide introduces all authors to some of the most referenced metrics at the author, journal, and article levels.
When using metrics to make comparisons or claims take care to compare like with like (i.e. one discipline with the same discipline) and consider metrics just one tool in a holistic assessment of research. These metrics are all quantitative but other qualitative evaluation considerations include the peer-review process, editorial board, publisher, and reputation.