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Scientists are working overtime: when do scientists download scientific papers?

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Geng

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Renmeng Cao

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Xiaopu Han

    (Hangzhou Normal University
    Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Wencan Tian

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Guangyao Zhang

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Xianwen Wang

    (Dalian University of Technology)

Abstract

In this study, we track and analyze publication downloads from Sci-Hub to reconstruct scientists' activity patterns. We compare downloads from Sci-Hub and Springer, and find that, the work rhythms in working hours illustrated by downloads from the both platforms are very similar, however, when scientists are working overtime (at nights and weekends), Sci-Hub is more heavily used than copyrighted platforms to access scholarly publications. Scientists around the world are working overtime, but scientists in different countries have different working patterns. Scientists' preferences for different platforms are influenced by a variety of factors such as working times and workplace arrangements. There are variations by country in terms of whether scientists prefer to work overtime at night, at the weekend, or both at night and on the weekend.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Geng & Renmeng Cao & Xiaopu Han & Wencan Tian & Guangyao Zhang & Xianwen Wang, 2022. "Scientists are working overtime: when do scientists download scientific papers?," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(11), pages 6413-6429, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:127:y:2022:i:11:d:10.1007_s11192-022-04524-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-022-04524-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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