Open bibliometrics and undiscovered public knowledge

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the potential of open bibliometrics, especially for the discovery of previously undiscovered public knowledge. Design/methodology/approach: The viewpoint considers the limitations of the most popular current bibliometric tools and the possibilities offered from more open tools. It is supported by analysis of the openness of keywords associated with bibliometric studies in 2016. Findings: The paper finds that although tools are emerging that offer more open bibliometrics, bibliometric research nonetheless continues to make use of restricted services. Originality/value: This viewpoint on the potential of open bibliometrics is supported by an analysis of the current openness of bibliometric keywords.