Integrate Altmetrics Badges: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive into how we can showcase the impact of your datasets using Altmetrics badges. These nifty little badges display the online buzz around your research, giving you a quick snapshot of its reach and influence. We'll walk through how to integrate these badges into your record details page, making it super easy for everyone to see the attention your data is getting.

What are Altmetrics Badges?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly cover what altmetrics badges actually are. Unlike traditional citation counts, altmetrics track the attention a research output receives across a variety of online sources. Think social media, news outlets, policy documents, and even Wikipedia. These badges provide a visual representation of this attention, giving you a more comprehensive view of your dataset's impact. They are a great way to showcase the broader influence of your work beyond just academic citations.

Altmetrics offer a dynamic way to measure the broader impact of research. Traditional citation metrics, while valuable, often lag behind the actual influence a piece of work might be having. Altmetrics, on the other hand, capture a more immediate picture of the conversations and mentions surrounding a dataset or publication. This includes social media shares, news coverage, blog posts, and mentions in policy documents. By tracking these diverse sources, altmetrics provide a richer understanding of how research is being received and used in the real world. This is particularly important in today's fast-paced information environment, where research can quickly gain traction and have an impact far beyond the academic sphere. The visual representation of this impact, through badges, makes it easily digestible for researchers, stakeholders, and the general public. These badges act as a powerful tool for demonstrating the value and relevance of your work in a clear and concise manner. Moreover, the data behind the badges can offer valuable insights into who is engaging with your research and how it is being used, allowing you to tailor your communication and outreach efforts more effectively. By integrating altmetrics badges, you're not just showcasing your dataset's impact; you're also opening a window into the broader conversation surrounding your research and its contribution to the wider world.

Step-by-Step Integration Guide

Okay, let's get our hands dirty and integrate these badges! We're going to use a bit of JavaScript to make this happen. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. I've broken it down into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Include the Altmetrics Embed Script

First things first, we need to include the Altmetrics embed script in your record details page. This script is what makes the magic happen, rendering the badge on your page. We'll use a little JavaScript snippet to check if the script is already there, and if not, add it to the page. Here's the code:

if (!document.querySelector('script[src*="embed.js"]')) {
 var script = document.createElement('script');
 script.src = "https://d1bxh8uas1mnw7.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js";
 document.head.appendChild(script);
}

Let's break down what's happening here:

• document.querySelector('script[src*="embed.js"]')

  • This line checks if there's already a script tag in the document with embed.js in its src attribute. This prevents us from adding the script multiple times, which could cause issues. This is an important step to ensure that your page loads efficiently and doesn't experience any conflicts due to redundant scripts. By verifying the existence of the script before attempting to add it, we maintain a clean and optimized codebase. This also contributes to a better user experience, as the page will load faster and function more smoothly. In essence, this check acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the Altmetrics embed script is included only once, thereby preserving the integrity and performance of your web page.

• document.createElement('script')

  • If the script isn't already there, we create a new script element. This is a standard JavaScript method for dynamically creating HTML elements. Dynamic creation allows for greater flexibility and control over how and when elements are added to the page. This is especially useful in situations where you need to load resources or components based on specific conditions or user interactions. The createElement method ensures that the new element is properly initialized and ready to be inserted into the document. This is a fundamental building block for creating interactive and responsive web applications, enabling you to manipulate the structure of the page in real-time and provide a more engaging user experience.

• script.src = "https://d1bxh8uas1mnw7.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js"

  • We set the src attribute of the script element to the URL of the Altmetrics embed script. This tells the browser where to fetch the script from. The URL provided points to the official Altmetrics CDN, ensuring that you are using the most up-to-date version of the script. Using a CDN is also beneficial for performance, as it allows the browser to download the script from a server that is geographically closer to the user, resulting in faster loading times. This line of code is crucial for connecting your web page to the Altmetrics service and enabling the functionality required to display the badges. By specifying the correct URL, you ensure that the necessary JavaScript code is loaded and executed, allowing the badge to render properly and display the relevant altmetrics data.

• document.head.appendChild(script)

  • Finally, we append the script element to the <head> of the document. This is where scripts are typically placed for optimal loading performance. Adding the script to the <head> ensures that it is loaded before the rest of the page content, allowing the badge to render as soon as possible. This is particularly important for user experience, as it provides immediate feedback and demonstrates that the page is actively loading and displaying information. The appendChild method is used to insert the script element into the DOM (Document Object Model), making it a part of the page structure. This step is essential for the script to be executed and for the Altmetrics badge to be displayed on your web page. By strategically placing the script in the <head>, you optimize the loading process and ensure that the badge is visible to users without unnecessary delay.

This code snippet is your gateway to integrating altmetrics badges. It's designed to be efficient and prevent redundant script inclusions, ensuring a smooth and optimized loading process for your web page.

Step 2: Create the Badge Container

Next up, we need to create a container element where the badge will live. This is just a simple <div> element with specific classes and attributes that Altmetrics uses to render the badge. Here's the code:

var customBadge = document.createElement('div');
customBadge.className = 'altmetric-embed';
customBadge.setAttribute('data-badge-type', 'donut'); // you can change to 'score' or 'bar'
customBadge.setAttribute('data-doi', '10.4232/1.11005');
document.body.appendChild(customBadge);

Let's break this down too:

• document.createElement('div')

  • We're creating a new <div> element. This will serve as the container for our altmetrics badge. The <div> element is a fundamental building block in HTML, used for creating sections and containers within a web page. It provides a flexible way to group and style content, making it an ideal choice for housing the badge. This line of code initializes the process of creating the visual representation of the badge on your page. By creating a dedicated <div> element, we ensure that the badge has its own space and can be easily manipulated and positioned within the overall layout of the page. This also allows for consistent styling and behavior, as the badge can be treated as a distinct component with its own set of attributes and properties. In essence, this step sets the stage for the badge to be rendered and displayed, contributing to the overall visual appeal and informative nature of your web page.

• customBadge.className = 'altmetric-embed'

  • We set the className of the <div> to altmetric-embed. This is a crucial step because the Altmetrics script looks for elements with this class to render the badges. This class acts as a hook, allowing the Altmetrics script to identify the correct element and apply the necessary styling and functionality. Without this class, the script would not be able to recognize the container and the badge would not be displayed. This line of code establishes the connection between your HTML and the Altmetrics library, ensuring that the badge is rendered as intended. By assigning the altmetric-embed class, you are essentially telling the script, "This is where I want the altmetrics badge to go." This is a key step in the integration process and is essential for the badge to function correctly.

• customBadge.setAttribute('data-badge-type', 'donut')

  • Here, we're setting a data-badge-type attribute to donut. This tells Altmetrics which type of badge to display. You can choose from donut, score, or bar, depending on your preference. The donut badge is a circular graphic that shows the number of mentions, the score badge displays a numerical score, and the bar badge uses a horizontal bar to represent the altmetrics data. This attribute allows you to customize the visual representation of the badge to best suit your website's design and the information you want to convey. By setting the data-badge-type attribute, you have direct control over the look and feel of the badge, ensuring that it aligns with your overall aesthetic and effectively communicates the impact of your research. This is an important aspect of integrating altmetrics, as it allows you to present the data in a way that is both informative and visually appealing.

• customBadge.setAttribute('data-doi', '10.4232/1.11005')

  • We're setting the data-doi attribute to a DOI (Digital Object Identifier). This is how Altmetrics knows which research output to fetch the metrics for. The DOI is a unique identifier for a specific piece of research, ensuring that the badge displays the correct data. This line of code is critical for linking the badge to the specific dataset or publication you want to showcase. Without the correct DOI, the badge would not be able to retrieve the altmetrics data and would not display any information. It's essential to ensure that the DOI is accurate and corresponds to the research output you are highlighting. This attribute acts as the key that unlocks the altmetrics information, allowing the badge to present a comprehensive view of the online attention surrounding your research.

• document.body.appendChild(customBadge)

  • Finally, we append the customBadge element to the <body> of the document. This places the badge on the page where it will be visible to users. The appendChild method is used to insert the element into the DOM, making it a part of the page structure. This step is essential for the badge to be rendered and displayed in the browser. By appending the badge to the <body>, you ensure that it is included in the main content area of the page, making it easily accessible to viewers. This is the culmination of the badge creation process, bringing together all the previous steps to create a visual representation of your research's impact.

With these lines of code, you've created the container for your altmetrics badge and configured it to display the relevant information. This is a crucial step in showcasing the broader impact of your research and making it more visible to the world.

Step 3: Refresh the Rendering

Sometimes, the Altmetrics script needs a little nudge to render the badge after it's been added to the page. We can do this by calling the _altmetric.embed_init() function. Here's the code:

if (window._altmetric) {
 _altmetric.embed_init();
}

Let's break it down:

• if (window._altmetric)

  • This line checks if the _altmetric object exists in the window object. This object is created by the Altmetrics embed script when it's loaded. This check is crucial to prevent errors, as attempting to call a function on an undefined object would result in a JavaScript error. By ensuring that the _altmetric object exists before proceeding, we ensure the stability and reliability of our code. This is a common practice in JavaScript development, especially when dealing with external libraries or scripts. This conditional check acts as a safety net, preventing unexpected issues and ensuring that the Altmetrics badge rendering process is initiated only when the necessary resources are available.

• _altmetric.embed_init()

  • If the _altmetric object exists, we call the embed_init() function. This function tells the Altmetrics script to scan the page for elements with the altmetric-embed class and render the badges. This is the final step in the process, triggering the visual display of the badge on your web page. The embed_init() function is the key to making the magic happen, taking the configured badge container and transforming it into a dynamic representation of your research's altmetrics data. By calling this function, you ensure that the badge is properly rendered and that the information is displayed accurately and effectively.

This simple snippet ensures that your altmetrics badge renders correctly, giving your users a clear view of your dataset's impact. It's a small addition that makes a big difference in the overall presentation of your research.

Putting It All Together

Now, let's see the complete code snippet in action:

if (!document.querySelector('script[src*="embed.js"]')) {
 var script = document.createElement('script');
 script.src = "https://d1bxh8uas1mnw7.cloudfront.net/assets/embed.js";
 document.head.appendChild(script);
}

// Create your badge
var customBadge = document.createElement('div');
customBadge.className = 'altmetric-embed';
customBadge.setAttribute('data-badge-type', 'donut'); // you can change to 'score' or 'bar'
customBadge.setAttribute('data-doi', '10.4232/1.11005');
document.body.appendChild(customBadge);

// Refresh rendering
if (window._altmetric) {
 _altmetric.embed_init();
}

Just copy and paste this code into your record details page, and you should see the altmetrics badge appear. Remember to replace the data-doi attribute with the DOI of your specific dataset.

Customizing Your Badge

Altmetrics badges come in a few different flavors. As we mentioned earlier, you can choose between donut, score, and bar badge types. The donut badge is a popular choice, showing a colorful donut chart with the number of mentions. The score badge displays a simple numerical score, while the bar badge uses a horizontal bar to visualize the metrics.

To change the badge type, simply modify the data-badge-type attribute in the code. For example, to use the score badge, you would change this line:

customBadge.setAttribute('data-badge-type', 'donut');

to this:

customBadge.setAttribute('data-badge-type', 'score');

Feel free to experiment with different badge types to see which one you like best!

Customizing your altmetrics badge is a fantastic way to ensure it aligns perfectly with your website's design and effectively communicates the impact of your research. The flexibility to choose between different badge types, such as donut, score, and bar, allows you to tailor the visual representation of the metrics to your specific needs and preferences. The donut badge, with its colorful and engaging circular chart, is often a popular choice for its ability to quickly convey the overall number of mentions. The score badge provides a concise numerical summary, ideal for situations where you want to highlight the overall altmetrics score. The bar badge, with its horizontal bar graph, offers a clear visual comparison of different metrics or research outputs. By experimenting with these different options, you can find the badge type that best complements your website's aesthetic and effectively communicates the key altmetrics data. This level of customization empowers you to present your research's impact in a way that is both informative and visually appealing, enhancing the overall user experience and making your work more accessible to a wider audience.

Why Integrate Altmetrics Badges?

So, why bother integrating altmetrics badges in the first place? Well, there are several compelling reasons:

• Showcase your impact: Altmetrics provide a more comprehensive view of your research's impact than traditional citations alone. They capture the attention your work is getting across a variety of online sources, giving you a better picture of its reach and influence.
• Increase visibility: By displaying altmetrics badges, you're making it easier for people to see the impact of your work. This can lead to increased visibility and engagement with your research.
• Demonstrate value: Altmetrics can help you demonstrate the value of your research to funders, institutions, and other stakeholders. They provide concrete evidence of the broader impact of your work.
• Engage with your audience: Altmetrics can give you insights into who is engaging with your research and how it's being used. This can help you tailor your communication and outreach efforts more effectively.

Integrating altmetrics badges is a strategic move that offers a multitude of benefits for researchers and institutions alike. By showcasing your impact through altmetrics, you're not just highlighting the academic citations your work has received; you're painting a more complete picture of its influence in the broader world. This includes mentions in news articles, blog posts, social media shares, policy documents, and more. This wider view of impact is crucial for demonstrating the real-world relevance and value of your research. Increased visibility is another significant advantage. When visitors to your website or repository see the altmetrics badge, they are immediately drawn to the data and can quickly grasp the level of engagement your work has generated. This can lead to further exploration of your research and increased citations in the future. For funders and institutions, altmetrics provide a valuable tool for assessing the return on investment in research. The badges offer tangible evidence of the impact and reach of research projects, which can be used to justify funding decisions and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders. Furthermore, altmetrics offer valuable insights into the audience engaging with your research. By tracking mentions across different platforms, you can identify key influencers, policymakers, and members of the public who are interested in your work. This information can be used to tailor your communication and outreach efforts, ensuring that your research reaches the people who can benefit from it most. In essence, integrating altmetrics badges is a powerful way to amplify the impact of your research and connect with a wider audience.

Conclusion

Integrating altmetrics badges is a simple yet powerful way to showcase the impact of your datasets. By following these steps, you can easily add these badges to your record details page and give your users a clear view of the online attention your work is receiving. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the world see the impact of your research!