Research Dissemination and Impact: Evidence from Web Site Downloads

Abstract

I find that the Journal of Finance web site disseminates research expediently, to a broad audience. From November 1997 to November 1999, papers received more than 284,000 downloads, with the average paper receiving 85 downloads per month. On average, papers were available 10 months prior to publication. Papers in General Financial Markets and Corporate Finance and Governance are downloaded more frequently than other subjects, while articles are downloaded more than shorter papers. Additionally, lead articles are downloaded more often, apparently for two reasons. First, lead articles appear to be of greater interest. Second, there is a certification effect of being designated the lead article. Finally, downloads are positively correlated with future citations indicating that downloads may be a useful measure of research impact.

JEL Classification: G0