In 2007 the UKSG, a non-profit organisation that connects the information community, in association with the online usage metrics organisation COUNTER, launched a project to explore whether online journal usage statistics might form the basis of a new metric of journal value. In stage 1 of the project we conducted extensive market research to establish the level of support for such a metric and to identify what key issues would need to be addressed in so doing.
Building upon the encouraging reactions revealed in the market research, Stage 2 of the project now proposes to develop a programme of data modelling and analysis that will use real usage data from a number of content providers, with the aim of identifying potential candidate metrics for longer term scaled up testing. Accordingly the project is now looking to commission a suitably qualified organisation to conduct the required data modelling and analysis. A formal Invitation to Tender (Request for Proposal) for this work has now been issued and can be found at the links below.
We encourage interested parties to read these documents and, if you feel you have the required skills and resources, to submit your proposal in the manner outlined.
Deadline for receipt of responses is August 26, 2009.
Richard Gedye
Chair
UKSG Usage Factor Project