Bibliometrics yes or no? A crucial juncture for research evaluation in the humanities and social sciences

Abstract

The debate on research assessment in Italy has intensified after ANVUR's (National agency for the assessment of the University system and research) proposition to create a bibliometric database for the humanities and social sciences (HSS). The article highlights the limits of ANVUR's proposal by presenting a brief review of HSS research and professional communities' responses, and points out the possible benefits of such a database particularly in terms of international visibility. Since research assessment is a multidimensional process, bibliometrics can complement qualitative methods for the evaluation of research produced in Italy by humanists and social scientists. However, a more rigorous methodological approach is needed in order to take account of the epistemological diversities of the research communities in HSS.