Abstract
A literature review of the publishing behaviours of scientists in developing
countries indicated that they preferred to publish in English in foreign
journals. In Saudi Arabia, also, English is used as the main language of
scientific communication. Not much scientific research is reported in the
Arabic language. A study based on a computerized database of journal
articles derived from the Science Citation Index (1980-1984) was conducted
to investigate the publishing patterns of scientists was found quite strong
with teaching institutions contributing most of the publications. While
biological and medical sciences dominate the research activities, chemists
seem to be the single most productive group. Publication outlets in the USA
and the UK are preferred by scientists working in Saudi Arabia. The ranking
of journals by declining frequency of contribution show wide scattering of
journals where Saudi scientists publish their research. It was found that
most of these journals, which may be considered core titles, are available
in academic and specialist libraries. Ranking by productivity was also in
line with the impact factor and in-house use data confirming the selection
and deseletion criteria for journal subscriptions. (Autor)