Expanding the Meaning of the Term “Document” as a Possible Factor of Reconsideration of the Objects of Bibliometrics, Scientometrics, and Informetrics. 2. Old Definitions of the Objects of “Metrices” in the Context of the New Definition of the Term “Document”

Abstract

Introduction. In the first part of the article, an attempt was made to trace some of the evolution of the concept of a “document”, which is now understood as any material object that can be used to obtain the information necessary for a person. In the second part, assuming that such an interpretation of the concept of a “document” is fruitful for possible reconsideration of viewpoints on the objects of bibliometrics, scientometrics and informetrics, a number of definitions of the objects of these three “metrices” have been examined with a speculative “inlining” the new meaning of the term “document” to the definitions of objects.Materials and methods. Comparative analysis of the viewpoints of the objects of bibliometrics, scientometrics and informetrics that were expressed in some examples of definitions of these scientific fields; speculative “inlining” the new meaning of the term “document” in them; consideration the meanings of the objects of “metrices” altered as a result of the mentioned “inlining”.Results. It is shown how noticeably the understanding of the objects of bibliometrics, scientometrics and informetrics can be revised as the result of the use of the updated “broad” interpretation of the concept of a “document” and how much the interpretations of the objects of bibliometrics, scientometrics and informetrics can be even closer in their meanings than previously was recognized.Discussion and conclusion. Such a comparative analysis of the objects of the “metrices” might be helpful for identifying both similarities and differences among bibliometrics, scientometrics and informetrics. This is important, since the awareness of them is an obvious starting point for the mutual enrichment of “metrices” with knowledge and concepts. A more complete and detailed analysis of representations of the objects of the “metrices” in comparison with the updated “broad” interpretation of the concept of the “document”, as well as a comparison of the methodological components of “metrices” is the subject of further research.