Altmetrics: Rethinking the Way We Measure

Altmetrics is the focus for this edition of “Balance Point.” The column editor invited Finbar Galligan who has gained considerable knowledge of altmetrics to co-author the column. Altmetrics, their relationship to traditional metrics, their importance, uses, potential impacts, and possible future directions are examined. The authors conclude that altmetrics have an important future role to play and that they offer the potential to revolutionize the analysis of the value and impact of scholarly work.