Social Contexts of Russian Science Citation Index: Ranking and Behind-Ranking Reality from the Point of View of Information Professional

Abstract

The paper considers network interactions of RAS-FANO institutes with services of Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) and impact of those interactions on scientometric indicators of Russian scientists. As conceptual optics the author uses the actor-network theory of Bruno Latour, which allows to reveal the contradictory interests of the various actors included in those interactions. Interactions are arranged into three «circles». In the first circle there are interactions that precede the immediate work with RISC, i. e. legal, organizational prerequisites of the situation of information inequality. The second circle consists of interactions with technological actors. The third circle is made up of interactions of «human» actors - primarily scientists and information professionals who are involved in creation of scientometric content. In conclusion, the author points out the siginificance of informational risks associated with the RISC interactions at the present stage. Those risks stem from the different kinds of problem situations that arise in interaction with services of the Index. These problems affect the reliability of scientific results and validity of management decisions based on them. Author points that rising the information culture of the research community should reduce the risks. The publication is based on empirical material collected by author as an ordinary participant of the scientometric product creation. The article focuses on information flows 'incoming' to RISC. 'Output' flows are out of the question, and may be the subject of further research.