Health administration is a multidisciplinary field which is housed in a broad variety of schools and colleges. This diversity presents a challenge for both the scholar and the institution to adequately evaluate the scholarship of health administration faculty. Traditionally, this has been done through expert opinion supported by journal rating studies and journal ranking lists. In recent years, bibliometrics, represented by the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), have been embraced as a supplement or, in some instances, a replacement. The history and development of the JIF is discussed along with some critiques. Alternatives to the JIF are presented. The paper concludes with some observations and lessons for academics and the field as a whole.
