GOTO Rankings Considered Helpful

TL;DR

This paper advocates for adopting 'GOTO rankings' in academia, emphasizing the importance of using good, open, transparent, and objective data to improve the influence and fairness of rankings.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of 'GOTO rankings' and argues for their adoption to enhance transparency and objectivity in academic ranking systems.

Findings

GOTO rankings promote transparency and fairness.

Current rankings often lack openness and objectivity.

Adopting GOTO principles can improve ranking credibility.

Abstract

Rankings are a fact of life. Whether or not one likes them, they exist and are influential. Within academia, and in computer science in particular, rankings not only capture our attention but also widely influence people who have a limited understanding of computing science research, including prospective students, university administrators, and policy-makers. In short, rankings matter. This position paper advocates for the adoption of "GOTO rankings": rankings that use Good data, are Open, Transparent, and Objective, and the rejection of rankings that do not meet these criteria.