Reduced to a Number

In a recent study carried out by library professionals at the University of Waikato, a small university situated in Aotearoa New Zealand, researchers across a range of disciplines were interviewed to better understand their views on researcher assessment, metrics, and research impact. Beyond discussions about the limitations of bibliometrics, many of the participants also drew attention to structural factors that affect their decision making, attitudes, and the way they work. These included satisfying research assessment, ensuring job security and career progression, cultural labour and tensions for Indigenous scholars, and dealings with reviewers and publishers.