Post by Karina Coffigny, Integrated Research & Impact Services Coordinator in IRIS, USF Libraries
Altmetric Explorer is a bibliometric tracking platform that tracks alternative impact metrics in addition to the metrics more traditionally considered when evaluating the impact of scholarly work.
As of July 2026, all users with USF authentication can access Altmetric Explorer and explore its capabilities.
Altmetrics are particularly valuable for demonstrating the reach of works through social media, news outlets, and other online sources. Commonly recognized bibliometric tracking platforms, such as Scopus or Web of Science, do not currently include the same level of tracking for these types of engagement. Altmetrics also tracks how often works are mentioned in policy, patents, and guidelines, providing further insight into the real-world applications of research.
Using its automated algorithm, Altmetric Explorer can create an Almetric Attention Score for each work, representing the volume and types of attention a research output has received. The Attention Score is displayed as donut, with colorful segments representing different sources of attention. Documenting the Altmetric Attention Score of an article alongside traditional metrics, such as citation counts, can paint a better picture of your research’s broader impact.
Researchers can also discover how others are responding to their work by exploring Altmetric Explorer’s new AI-powered Sentiment Analysis breakdown. Sentiment Analysis sorts research mentions from Bluesky and X on a seven-point scale from Strong Negative to Strong Positive. It is important to note that while this feature can provide interesting at-a-glance insight into public reactions towards a scholarly work, its AI function is not failproof and should be reviewed. Learn more about Sentiment Analysis by viewing their guide.
Though powerful on its own, Altmetric Explorer should be utilized alongside other bibliometric platforms to ensure a complete picture of a work’s scholarly impact is considered. For more information on how to track and report research impact responsibly, please visit the USF Library’s Impact & Metrics guide.
The USF Libraries are actively implementing Altmetric Explorer into impact metric services provided by the Integrated Research and Impact Services (IRIS) department. IRIS’ customized researcher impact reports can supplement tenure and promotion documents, grant applications, or simply provide a clearer understanding of how your research is being discussed and shared. To request an individual research impact report, please contact usflibraries-IRIS@usf.edu.