Bibliometrics course offerings by library and information science programs in China

Abstract

In this article, we report results from a survey of bibliometrics courses offered by LIS programs in mainland China. We found that more than 27% of Chinese LIS programs offer bibliometrics courses. The majority of these programs teach bibliometrics as 2- or 3-credit, required courses to both undergraduate and graduate students, indicating the great importance given to bibliometrics education. These courses cover both theoretical knowledge of bibliometrics and practical applications of bibliometric theories and methods. They are taught mostly by associate and full professors who are active researchers in bibliometrics, indicating a healthy situation of mutual benefit of teaching and research.