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Andy Tattersall

The University of Sheffield, ScHARR, Department Member

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I joined ScHARR in 2001 after working as a journalist with my remit to provide support and guidance to staff and students in their use of technology and information resources. My role is to scan the horizon for opportunities relating to research, teaching and collaboration and maintain networks that support this. I have a keen interest in new ways of working by employing Web 2.0 and Social Media including video but also pay close attention to the implications and pitfalls for using such advances. I offer guidance and support on information literacies and digital copyright. My main areas of work are in Web 2.0, Social Media, Google Apps, Altmetrics, MOOCs, Infographics, and the Web.

I write and give talks about digital academia, learning technology, scholarly communications, open research, web tools, altmetrics and social media. In particular, their application for research, teaching, learning, knowledge management and collaboration. I am a member of The University of Sheffield’s Teaching Senate and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I recieved my Senate Award in recognition as being the person who sparked interest in running the first MOOCs at his institution in 2013.

I started the ScHARR Bite Size series - where we teach you something new in 20 minutes which has been replicated at various universities. I also run the popular ScHARR Library Blog. I am also the secretary of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Multi-Media and Information Technology Committee. I also run informal App Swap Breakfasts on campus and a weekly academic writing club in ScHARR.

Research Interests

My research interests are focused in the area of modern Web tools, Altmetrics, Web 2.0, social networks and software and their application for research, teaching, learning, knowledge management and transfer and collaboration. I am very interested in how we manage information and how information overload affects our professional and personal lives.

Teaching Interests

My teaching interests lie in encouraging staff and students to use the many tools and technologies, quite often freely, available to aid them carry out research and collaboration within the academic and clinical setting. I teach on the IRIS programme and guest on the MSc Health Informatics programme.

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Papers by Andy Tattersall

Using Web 2.0 to facilitate staff development

Exploring open access coverage of Wikipedia-cited research across the White Rose Universities

Insights the UKSG journal

The connected academic: implementing altmetrics within your organization

Altmetrics

Considerations for implementing new technologies

Altmetrics

Comment, discuss, review: An essential guide to post-publication review sites

Andy Tattersall continues his discussion of post-publication peer review and provides an overview... more

Open peer review

Altmetrics

This book gives an overview of altmetrics, their tools and how to implement them successfully to ... more

“I only come here for the comments” – Exploring the controversy of post-publication peer review

The journal publishing model has long been criticised for being out of touch with modern, online ... more The journal publishing model has long been criticised for being out of touch with modern, online communication trends. In the age of rapid-fire discussion, what hope is there for sustained, productive, peer review? Andy Tattersall looks at the shortcomings and opportunities of post-publication review online and picks apart the differences between reviewing, discussing and commenting in a scholarly context.

Disentangling the academic web: what might have been learnt from discogs and IMDB

In recent years there has been huge, rapid growth in the number of online platforms and tools mad... more In recent years there has been huge, rapid growth in the number of online platforms and tools made available to academics carrying out their research activities. However, for many, such choice can lead to decision fatigue or uncertainty as to what is most appropriate. Andy Tattersall reflects on the success of Discogs and IMDB and considers what problems a similar site dedicated to academic research might help to solve; from version control and unique identifiers to multiple, diverse research outputs and improved interactions with data.

Following the success of the learning technologist, is it time for a research equivalent?

With so many scholarly communications tools and technologies now available, how do academics deci... more With so many scholarly communications tools and technologies now available, how do academics decide which are most appropriate for their research? Andy Tattersall suggests it might be time for a research equivalent of the learning technologist, a role that has helped drive innovations in teaching underpinned by technologies. The research technologist would be embedded within the university department, make recommendations on appropriate online tools, provide technical assistance and also offer guidance on accompanying issues of ethics or compliance. With the right ongoing support, academics can improve the communication, dissemination and impact of their research.

New research must be better reported, the future of society depends on it

Academics looking to communicate the findings and value of their research to wider audiences are ... more Academics looking to communicate the findings and value of their research to wider audiences are increasingly going through the media to do so. But, argues Andy Tattersall, poor or incomplete reporting can undermine respect for experts by misrepresenting research, especially by trivialising or sensationalising it, or publishing under inappropriate headlines and with cherry-picked statistics. Proper and accurate communication of science is beneficial to the whole of society; in the age of “fake news” it is more important than ever to make sure that what’s being published is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

0 is the Magic Number: Why Small Numbers Matter Just as Much as Large Ones When We Talk About Altmetrics

The problem many detractors have with altmetrics is that it is heavily focused on numbers that ma... more The problem many detractors have with altmetrics is that it is heavily focused on numbers that may or may not be meaningful. Andy Tattersall sees this as a legitimate concern but argues researchers should consider further what can be gained from these scores, or indeed, the lack of one. In a world increasingly governed by impact and the dissemination of your research, the straight flat zero indicates an opportunity and a possible need to communicate your work.

Academic Social Club

F1000Research, 2015

Social media is a ticking time bomb for universities with an outdated web presence

There are pressing questions academic institutions will need to address over the next couple of y... more There are pressing questions academic institutions will need to address over the next couple of years regarding their expanding participation in social media streams. Andy Tattersall argues that with such blurred boundaries of ownership, access and support, what is needed is wide-scale demystification to help academics dovetail a few choice tools to bring how they work into a modern setting. Social Media, Altmetrics and Web 2.0 all afford academia a wealth of possibilities if they take it, but there is a risk that the important messages will get lost as we produce even more social data than we can imagine.

Altmetrics – a new role for library and information professionals

F1000Research, 2015

Book review: social media for academics by Mark Carrigan

While social media is an increasingly important part of academic life that can help to promote re... more While social media is an increasingly important part of academic life that can help to promote research, build networks and demonstrate impact, many remain wary about the potential risks of navigating digital terrain. In Social Media for Academics, Mark Carrigan provides clear, practical advice on the benefits and challenges of using social media for academic purposes. Andy Tattersall welcomes this as a balanced and thoughtful guide for academics that outlines the wheres and whys of how to start and how to avoid getting it wrong in the first place.

Many a true word is spoken in jest, part two: more social media content that mocks, self-ridicules, and brings a smile to academia

Two years ago, Andy Tattersall highlighted those Twitter accounts that offered some light relief ... more Two years ago, Andy Tattersall highlighted those Twitter accounts that offered some light relief from the often all-too-serious world of academia. This 2018 instalment includes an account "sadly" overlooked last time, as well as moving beyond the Twittersphere to share some the best memes, videos, and more to provide sharp commentary on peer review, academic advisors, and altmetrics.

Who, What, Where, When, Why: Using the 5 Ws to communicate your research

A lay summary can be a useful approach to breaking down barriers and making research accessible. ... more A lay summary can be a useful approach to breaking down barriers and making research accessible. A good summary focuses on the important aspects of the research, but distilling this information is not always easy. A helpful starting point for identifying the key elements of a research story can be the 5 Ws. Andy Tattersall finds this approach might not work for every piece of research, but it has the potential to allow researchers to explore key themes and retain control of what they say and how they say it.

Working with the media can be beneficial but linking to and citing your research should be compulsory

It’s great when academic research is covered by the media but too often this coverage fails to li... more It’s great when academic research is covered by the media but too often this coverage fails to link back to or properly cite the research itself. It’s time academics insisted on this and Andy Tattersall outlines the benefits of doing so. As well as pointing more people to your work, the use of identifiers allows you to track this attention and scrutinise where and how your research has been used. At a time when academic work is vulnerable to misreporting, such a simple step can help ensure the public are able to view original research for themselves.

For many academics, the web is just a means to an end: Shifting gears to solve the digital divide

The academic community faces a significant problem in staying up-to-date with new technologies. O... more The academic community faces a significant problem in staying up-to-date with new technologies. Often the easiest option for researchers is not to engage rather than trying a new way of working. Andy Tattersall looks at the lack of adoption of digital technologies and argues that in academia, the problem has often been a lack of translation: academics are advised how to use Twitter but rarely why. As a result tools are used sporadically, in silos and incorrectly.

Analysing Altmetric data on research citations in policy literature - the case of the University of Sheffield

One of the sources of attention Altmetric.com tracks is the number of times research outputs have... more One of the sources of attention Altmetric.com tracks is the number of times research outputs have been cited in policy literature. Andy Tattersall and Chris Carroll explored the case of the University of Sheffield and what the data says about the impact of its research on national and international policy. The percentage of outputs with at least one policy mention compares favourably with previous studies, while huge variations were found between the time of publication and the time of the first policy citation. However, some problems with the quality of the data were identified, highlighting the need for careful scrutiny and corroboration.

Using Web 2.0 to facilitate staff development

Exploring open access coverage of Wikipedia-cited research across the White Rose Universities

Insights the UKSG journal

The connected academic: implementing altmetrics within your organization

Altmetrics

Considerations for implementing new technologies

Altmetrics

Comment, discuss, review: An essential guide to post-publication review sites

Andy Tattersall continues his discussion of post-publication peer review and provides an overview... more

Open peer review

Altmetrics

This book gives an overview of altmetrics, their tools and how to implement them successfully to ... more

“I only come here for the comments” – Exploring the controversy of post-publication peer review

The journal publishing model has long been criticised for being out of touch with modern, online ... more The journal publishing model has long been criticised for being out of touch with modern, online communication trends. In the age of rapid-fire discussion, what hope is there for sustained, productive, peer review? Andy Tattersall looks at the shortcomings and opportunities of post-publication review online and picks apart the differences between reviewing, discussing and commenting in a scholarly context.

Disentangling the academic web: what might have been learnt from discogs and IMDB

In recent years there has been huge, rapid growth in the number of online platforms and tools mad... more In recent years there has been huge, rapid growth in the number of online platforms and tools made available to academics carrying out their research activities. However, for many, such choice can lead to decision fatigue or uncertainty as to what is most appropriate. Andy Tattersall reflects on the success of Discogs and IMDB and considers what problems a similar site dedicated to academic research might help to solve; from version control and unique identifiers to multiple, diverse research outputs and improved interactions with data.

Following the success of the learning technologist, is it time for a research equivalent?

With so many scholarly communications tools and technologies now available, how do academics deci... more With so many scholarly communications tools and technologies now available, how do academics decide which are most appropriate for their research? Andy Tattersall suggests it might be time for a research equivalent of the learning technologist, a role that has helped drive innovations in teaching underpinned by technologies. The research technologist would be embedded within the university department, make recommendations on appropriate online tools, provide technical assistance and also offer guidance on accompanying issues of ethics or compliance. With the right ongoing support, academics can improve the communication, dissemination and impact of their research.

New research must be better reported, the future of society depends on it

Academics looking to communicate the findings and value of their research to wider audiences are ... more Academics looking to communicate the findings and value of their research to wider audiences are increasingly going through the media to do so. But, argues Andy Tattersall, poor or incomplete reporting can undermine respect for experts by misrepresenting research, especially by trivialising or sensationalising it, or publishing under inappropriate headlines and with cherry-picked statistics. Proper and accurate communication of science is beneficial to the whole of society; in the age of “fake news” it is more important than ever to make sure that what’s being published is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

0 is the Magic Number: Why Small Numbers Matter Just as Much as Large Ones When We Talk About Altmetrics

The problem many detractors have with altmetrics is that it is heavily focused on numbers that ma... more The problem many detractors have with altmetrics is that it is heavily focused on numbers that may or may not be meaningful. Andy Tattersall sees this as a legitimate concern but argues researchers should consider further what can be gained from these scores, or indeed, the lack of one. In a world increasingly governed by impact and the dissemination of your research, the straight flat zero indicates an opportunity and a possible need to communicate your work.

Academic Social Club

F1000Research, 2015

Social media is a ticking time bomb for universities with an outdated web presence

There are pressing questions academic institutions will need to address over the next couple of y... more There are pressing questions academic institutions will need to address over the next couple of years regarding their expanding participation in social media streams. Andy Tattersall argues that with such blurred boundaries of ownership, access and support, what is needed is wide-scale demystification to help academics dovetail a few choice tools to bring how they work into a modern setting. Social Media, Altmetrics and Web 2.0 all afford academia a wealth of possibilities if they take it, but there is a risk that the important messages will get lost as we produce even more social data than we can imagine.

Altmetrics – a new role for library and information professionals

F1000Research, 2015

Book review: social media for academics by Mark Carrigan

While social media is an increasingly important part of academic life that can help to promote re... more While social media is an increasingly important part of academic life that can help to promote research, build networks and demonstrate impact, many remain wary about the potential risks of navigating digital terrain. In Social Media for Academics, Mark Carrigan provides clear, practical advice on the benefits and challenges of using social media for academic purposes. Andy Tattersall welcomes this as a balanced and thoughtful guide for academics that outlines the wheres and whys of how to start and how to avoid getting it wrong in the first place.

Many a true word is spoken in jest, part two: more social media content that mocks, self-ridicules, and brings a smile to academia

Two years ago, Andy Tattersall highlighted those Twitter accounts that offered some light relief ... more Two years ago, Andy Tattersall highlighted those Twitter accounts that offered some light relief from the often all-too-serious world of academia. This 2018 instalment includes an account "sadly" overlooked last time, as well as moving beyond the Twittersphere to share some the best memes, videos, and more to provide sharp commentary on peer review, academic advisors, and altmetrics.

Who, What, Where, When, Why: Using the 5 Ws to communicate your research

A lay summary can be a useful approach to breaking down barriers and making research accessible. ... more A lay summary can be a useful approach to breaking down barriers and making research accessible. A good summary focuses on the important aspects of the research, but distilling this information is not always easy. A helpful starting point for identifying the key elements of a research story can be the 5 Ws. Andy Tattersall finds this approach might not work for every piece of research, but it has the potential to allow researchers to explore key themes and retain control of what they say and how they say it.

Working with the media can be beneficial but linking to and citing your research should be compulsory

It’s great when academic research is covered by the media but too often this coverage fails to li... more It’s great when academic research is covered by the media but too often this coverage fails to link back to or properly cite the research itself. It’s time academics insisted on this and Andy Tattersall outlines the benefits of doing so. As well as pointing more people to your work, the use of identifiers allows you to track this attention and scrutinise where and how your research has been used. At a time when academic work is vulnerable to misreporting, such a simple step can help ensure the public are able to view original research for themselves.

For many academics, the web is just a means to an end: Shifting gears to solve the digital divide

The academic community faces a significant problem in staying up-to-date with new technologies. O... more The academic community faces a significant problem in staying up-to-date with new technologies. Often the easiest option for researchers is not to engage rather than trying a new way of working. Andy Tattersall looks at the lack of adoption of digital technologies and argues that in academia, the problem has often been a lack of translation: academics are advised how to use Twitter but rarely why. As a result tools are used sporadically, in silos and incorrectly.

Analysing Altmetric data on research citations in policy literature - the case of the University of Sheffield

One of the sources of attention Altmetric.com tracks is the number of times research outputs have... more One of the sources of attention Altmetric.com tracks is the number of times research outputs have been cited in policy literature. Andy Tattersall and Chris Carroll explored the case of the University of Sheffield and what the data says about the impact of its research on national and international policy. The percentage of outputs with at least one policy mention compares favourably with previous studies, while huge variations were found between the time of publication and the time of the first policy citation. However, some problems with the quality of the data were identified, highlighting the need for careful scrutiny and corroboration.