Documentalista en un Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria: un perfil en construcción

Abstract

The text reflects on the difficulty of defining a single profile for a research institute documentalista, drawing on the author’s personal experience at IdiPAZ. From the outset, marked by limited experience and a largely accidental entry into the role, the author emphasizes the importance of adapting to the specific needs of the institutional environment rather than relying on predefined competencies. His work began with the preparation and standardization of the research report at Hospital Universitario La Paz, introducing improvements in data quality and consistency. He later contributed to the creation and accreditation of the Health Research Institute, playing a key role in evaluating research groups using both quantitative and qualitative criteria, particularly bibliometric indicators.
Over time, his professional profile evolved toward a more transversal role, incorporating management tasks, institutional collaboration, and adaptation to new demands, partly driven by teamwork. The emergence of Open Science and shifts in research evaluation, including the adoption of responsible metrics principles (DORA), transformed his work by reducing reliance on traditional indicators such as the impact factor and promoting more qualitative, contextualized approaches.
Finally, his role is consolidated through initiatives such as the Mentor Program, where he supports researchers in developing curricula and using indicators appropriately. Overall, the documentalista’s profile is presented as dynamic, context-dependent, and continuously evolving.