Loria A, Arroyo P "Language and country preponderance trends in MEDLINE and its causes " JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 93 (3): 381-385 JUL 2005

[Eugene Garfield]

A. LORIA : aloria at quetzal.innsz.mx, parroyo at funsalud.org.mx


Title: Language and country preponderance trends in MEDLINE and its causes

Author(s): Loria A, Arroyo P

Source: JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 93 (3): 381-385 JUL 2005

Document Type: Article   Language: English
Cited References: 9      Times Cited: 0

Abstract: Objective: The authors characterized the output of MEDLINE papers
by language and country of publication during a thirty-four-year time
period.
Methods: We classified MEDLINE's journal articles by country of publication
(Anglos/Non-Anglos) and language (English/Non-English) for the years 1966
and from 1970 to 2000 at five-year intervals. Eight English-speaking
countries were considered Anglos. Linear regression analysis of number of
papers versus time was performed.

Results: The global number of papers increased linearly at a rate of 8, 142
papers per year. Anglo and English papers also increased linearly (6,740
and 9,199, respectively). journals of Non-Anglo countries accounted for 25%
of the English language increase (2,438 per year). Only Non-English papers
decreased at a rate of 1,056 fewer papers per year. These trends have led
to overwhelming shares of English and Anglo papers in MEDLINE. In 2000, 68%
of all papers were published in the 8 Anglo countries and 90% were written
in English.

Conclusions: The Anglo and English preponderances appear to be a
consequence of at least two phenomena: (1) editorial policy changes in
MEDLINE and in some journals from Non-Anglo countries and (2) factors
affecting Non-Anglo researchers in the third world (publication
constraints, migration, and undersupport). These are tentative conclusions
that need confirmation.

Addresses: Loria A (reprint author), Inst Nacl Ciencias Med & Nutr Salvador
Zubiran, Vasco Quiroga 15, Mexico City, DF 14000 Mexico
Inst Nacl Ciencias Med & Nutr Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, DF 14000 Mexico
Fdn Mexicana Salud, Mexico City, DF 14610 Mexico

E-mail Addresses: aloria at quetzal.innsz.mx, parroyo at funsalud.org.mx

Publisher: MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOC, 65 EAST WACKER PLACE, STE 1900, CHICAGO,
IL 60601-7298 USA
Subject Category: INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE
IDS Number: 948GU

ISSN: 1536-5050

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