Citations and Author Characteristics in Open‐Access and Subscription‐Based Otolaryngology Journals. (13th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crossley, Jason R.; Almasri, Mohamad; Samaha, Nadia; Deklotz, Timothy R.; Harley, Earl H.; Davidson, Bruce J.; Malekzadeh, Sonya; Kim, H. Jeffrey
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 133:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2022-05-13
• Subjects: citation -- h‐index -- open‐access -- otolaryngology; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.30167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To describe the academic impact and author characteristics of open‐access journals in otolaryngology. Methods: Original articles from three open‐access (OTO Open, Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, and World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology) and three conventional subscription‐based otolaryngology specific journals (Otolaryngology ‐ Head & Neck Surgery, The Laryngoscope, JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery) were assessed. Publication dates of articles from January 2017 to July 2020 were included. Google Scholar and Web of Science citation counts were recorded. H‐indexes of first and last authors were included according to Google Scholar and Web of Science and analyzed. Results: This analysis included 3284 articles. Articles published in open‐access otolaryngology‐specific journals had significantly fewer citations on average (6.8) than articles published in subscription‐based journals (12.4, p < 0.0001). The last authors of articles published in subscription‐based journals had significantly higher h‐indexes (23.50) compared with the last authors of articles published in open‐access journals (19.53, p < 0.0001). The first authors of articles published in open‐access journals had similar h‐indexes (10.26) as the first authors of articles published in subscription‐based journals (10.33). Conclusions: Articles published in open‐access journals in otolaryngology were cited significantly less than those published in subscription‐based journals. The h‐index of the last authors was significantly lower in open‐access journals; however, the h‐index of the first authors was similar between open‐access and subscription‐based journals. As measured by citations, open‐access publications do not yet appear to have the impact of subscription‐based publications. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 133:79–82, 2023 Abstract : We conducted the first and largest analysis comparing open‐access ENT journals with subscription based ENT journals. Open‐access journals were found to have lower academic impact as measured by citations and tend to publish papers with less‐influential senior authors as measured by h‐index.