The Websites of International Association Organizations in the Science and Engineering Area: Analysis of Their Functionality, Webometric Ranks, and Role in the Scientific Information Space

Abstract

The position of international scientific associations (commonwealths, unions, and alliances) in the general structure of scientific organizations, as well as the role of such associations in the formation of the scientific information space, both national and international, are shown. For the associations, we analyzed the basic methodological issues of the construction of their websites, the information content of web pages, provision of the necessary functionality and user experience, and compliance to the rules of information security. This paper discusses the sources and composition of the information published on the websites of international associations working in the science and engineering area and defines the particular features of the structure of certain websites and their functional capabilities. The design and software solutions used on these websites are characterized. A detailed comparative study of webometric ranks is carried out and the main areas of their application in decision making by Russian researchers and research teams, as well as content managers of the websites of Russian research and development establishments, universities, institutes, and scientific communities are defined.