The development of bibliometric services at the central library of the faculty of electrical engineering and computing of the university of zagreb

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the development of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb (FER) Central Library bibliometric services from the beginning until today. Simultaneously, a review of basic regulations and laws relevant to bibliometric procedures is presented, in order to point out the significant contribution that librarians can make to the process of evaluating scientific and academic advancement. Furthermore, the purpose of the paper is to give a critical analysis and to point to certain shortcomings of the Croatian legal system that creates the policy of academic advancement requirements in the academic community. The overall purpose is to set the foundations for a transparent, qualitative and independent system of scientific evaluation in the Republic of Croatia. Approach. The paper gives an overview of the history of bibliometrics development, with special emphasis on technical sciences, legal regulations of the Republic of Croatia, as well as the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb. The paper presents a detailed description of the development of bibliometric services of the FER Central Library. Findings. The paper shows how by establishing and developing the bibliometric services the Central Library has positioned itself as a significant unit at its parent institution, as well as in the Croatian academic community. As a competent Faculty organizational unit, the Library is now embedded into Faculty’s regulations as a necessary and indispensable component in the process of scientific and academic advancement. The paper also initiates a dialogue to enhance the legal regulations, considering certain deficiencies to which authors point in this paper. Originality. By reviewing a broad spectrum of legislative acts, the paper gives an insight into the status and incorporation of librarianship into the system of scientific advancement requirements based on good practice and illustrates the opportunities available to the community of academic librarians. The paper describes in detail the structure and activities of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing boards and committees in evaluating the scientific performance of the scientific and teaching staff.