A modeling approach to uncover hyperlink patterns: The case of Canadian universities

Authors

L. Vaughan, Vaughan, L.; Fac. of Info. and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont. N6A 5B7, Canada; email: lvaughan@uwo.caFollow
M. Thelwall

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Volume

41

Journal

Information Processing and Management

First Page

347

URL with Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2003.10.001

Last Page

359

Abstract

Hyperlink patterns between Canadian university Web sites were analyzed by a mathematical modeling approach. A multiple regression model was developed which shows that faculty quality and the language of the university are important predictors for links to a university Web site. Higher faculty quality means more links. French universities received lower numbers of links to their Web sites than comparable English universities. Analysis of interlinking between pairs of universities also showed that English universities are advantaged. Universities are more likely to link to each other when the geographical distance between them is less than 3000 km, possibly reflecting the east vs. west divide that exists in Canadian society. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.