Toward a definition of “bibliometrics”

A crucial question is whether Zipf's law of word occurrence should be considered a part of this particular sub-discipline of ‘bibliometrics’.

Abstract

The definitions of the term 'bibliometrics' as used in the literature are examined and evaluated. Most such definitions are held to be too broad. A new definition is proposed; then its advantages and possible defects pointed out. A crucial question is whether Zipf's law of word occurrence should be considered a part of this particular sub-discipline.