  This paper shows how bibliometric assessment can be implemented at individual
level. This has been successfully done at the University of Vienna carried out
by the Bibliometrics and Publication Strategies Department of the Vienna
University Library. According to the department's philosophy, bibliometrics is
not only a helpful evaluation instrument in order to complement the peer review
system. It is also meant as a compass for researchers in the "publish or
perish" dilemma in order to increase general visibility and to optimize
publication strategies. The individual assessment comprises of an interview
with the researcher under evaluation, the elaboration of a bibliometric report
of the researcher's publication output, the discussion and validation of the
obtained results with the researcher under evaluation as well as further
optional analyses. The produced bibliometric reports are provided to the
researchers themselves and inform them about the quantitative aspects of their
research output. They also serve as a basis for further discussion concerning
their publication strategies. These reports are eventually intended for
informed peer review practices, and are therefore forwarded to the quality
assurance and the rector's office and finally sent to the peers. The most
important feature of the generated bibliometric report is its multidimensional
and individual character. It relies on a variety of basic indicators and
further control parameters in order to foster comprehensibility. Researchers,
administrative staff and peers alike have confirmed the usefulness of this
bibliometric approach. An increasing demand is noticeable. In total, 33
bibliometric reports have been delivered so far. Moreover, similar reports have
also been produced for the bibliometric assessment of two faculties with great
success.
