Analytical viewpoint. All quiet on the Eastern front? Analysis of the publication, reference and citation patterns of Zhurnal Analiticheskoy Khimii, 1990–91 versus 1980–81

Abstract

Reflections of the dramatic political, social, and economic changes of the eighties in the former USSR were sought for in the publication, reference, and citation patterns of one of the leading scientific journals of the country, Zhurnal Analiticheskoy Khimii. It was found that, although no spectacular changes in the main scientometric indicators and the underlying publication, reference, and citation patterns could be observed, the journal had definitely lost impact due to an inevitable ‘dilution’ of publications. This effect seems to be the consequence of the ‘opening’ of the scientific community to foreign journals and the apparent lack of a sufficient strategy for Zh. Anal. Khim. to match its competitors successfully.