Reflections on a deflection: a note on different causes of the Groos droop

Abstract

In this paper different aspects that cause the so-called Groos droop, are investigated. We start from pure Bradfordian data (i.e. without a Groos droop) and discuss what actions can cause a deflection on the Bradford-Leimkuhler curve. It is, of course, well-known, that incompleteness of the data is one aspect, but we show that taking unions of pure Bradfordian bibliographies can also yield a bibliography with a Groos droop. As such, a Groos droop can always be expected in interdisciplinary bibliographies. In this way we suggest an explanation for the experimental differences between the micro-and macro-curves obtained byBonitz andSchmidt (Scientometrics, 4 (1982) 283.). In conclusion we may say that the Groos droop can be explained through Bradford's law and hence that they do not contradict each other.