ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: Information Use in Astronomy
Volume: 153, Library and Information Services in Astronomy III (LISA III)
Page: 177
Authors: Claspy, William P.
Abstract: This study seeks to examine astronomers' use of their literature through a citation analysis of a very current sub-section of scientific literature in the field. The paper specifically analyzes currency of references, types of sources, format of sources, and cross-disciplinary sources. Research published in refereed journals is the most frequently cited material among astronomers, making up nearly 80% of the total number of references. Of these, the majority are references to literature from the core journals in the field. Also, currency is of relative importance to researchers in the field, as nearly 56% of all references were to materials published in the last seven years, and nearly 90% to that published since 1980. Only 4% were to materials published before 1970.
Back to Volume