In this chapter, the possibility of using bibliometric measures for
evaluating research in the humanities is pondered. A review of recent attempts to
develop bibliometric methods for studying the humanities shows that organizational,
epistemological differences as well as distinct research practices in research fields
ought to be considered. The dependence on colleagues, interdisciplinarity and the
‘rural’ nature of research in many humanistic disciplines are identified as factors
that influence the possibilities of applying bibliometric methods. A few particularly
promising approaches are highlighted, and the possibility of developing a ‘bibliometrics
for the humanities’ is examined. Finally, the intellectual characteristics of
specific disciplines should be considered when quality indicators are constructed, and
the importance of including scholars from the humanities in the process is stressed.
Springer, 2016. p. 115-131