Explains two basic approaches to bibliometric models (frequency-size, frequency-rank); cites 28 models; and analyzes three models--Price, Bookstein, and Brookes--by considering their internal properties, interrelationships, and generality. Validity of the generalizations is noted. Appendices include 32 references and list of 28 additional…

Examines the properties of bibliometric distributions (application of mathematics and statistical methods to books and other written communications) in a nontechnical manner, covering similarities of the Lotka, Bradford, and Zipf distributions, the relationship between empirical laws and theories, and bibliometric concepts and theory construction.…

Explains Zipf's Law of Vocabulary Distribution (i.e., relationship between frequency of a word in a corpus and its rank), noting the discovery of the law, alternative forms, and literature relating to the search for a rationale for Zipf's Law. Thirty-eight references are cited. (EJS)

Reviews literature relating to Bradford's Law of Scatter, which groups journals and articles to identify number of periodicals relevant to particular subject, and notes the gap between theoretical and empirical studies, i.e., no relationship has been found between variables which characterize empirical situations and theoretical models. Thirteen…

Discusses the literature that has become associated with Lotka's Law of Scientific Productivity (a general theoretical estimate of author productivity in the sciences) and attempts to identify the important factors of Lotka's original methodology that should be considered when attempting to test applicability of Lotka's Law. Forty-seven references…