OCLC library holdings: assessing availability of academic books in libraries in print and electronic compared to citations and altmetrics

Abstract Although library holding data is constructed upon work format of books, it less known how much print and electronic books in libraries contribute to the counts. In response, this research an attempt explore distribution across formats investigate availability holdings for as constituents metric fields over time compared with other book metrics. ISBNs, titles author names 119,794 Scopus-indexed 26 were examined fourteen variables including OCLC Library Holdings, Scopus Citations, Google Books Goodreads engagements, Altmetric indicators. There are three major findings: (a) a more comprehensively available (over 97%) than any could be useful after short first edition publication, followed by Books, Scopus, respectively; (b) on average seven times (median times) numerous their ratio growing considerably recent books; (c) there consistent downward trend holdings, suggesting that cumulative nature statistically comparable formal citations; however, acquisition inconsistent plot well time. sum, differences between broad making them distinct metrics, further needed understanding implications impact assessment.