Jacso, P (Jacso, Peter) The pros and cons of computing the h-index using Google Scholar ONLINE INFORMATION REVIEW, 32 (3): 437-452 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: jacos at hawaii.edu 

Author(s): Jacso, P (Jacso, Peter) 

Title: The pros and cons of computing the h-index using Google Scholar 

Source: ONLINE INFORMATION REVIEW, 32 (3): 437-452 2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: databases; information retrieval; search engines; 
referencing 

Keywords Plus: SCIENCE; WEB; SCOPUS; IMPACT
 
Abstract: Purpose - A previous paper by the present author described the 
pros and cons of using the three largest cited reference enhanced 
multidisciplinary databases and discussed and illustrated in general how 
the theoretically sound idea of the h-index may become distorted depending 
on the software and the content of the database(s) used, and the 
searchers' skill and knowledge of the database features. The aim of this 
paper is to focus on Google Scholar (GS), from the perspective of 
calculating the h-index for individuals and journals.
Design/methodology/approach - A desk-based approach to data collection is 
used and critical commentary is added.

Findings - The paper shows that effective corroboration of the h-index and 
its two component indicators can be done only on persons and journals with 
which a researcher is intimately familiar. Corroborative tests must be 
done in every database for important research.
Originality/value - The paper highlights the very time-consuming process 
of corroborating data, tracing and counting valid citations and points out 
GS's unscholarly and irresponsible handling of data. 

Addresses: Univ Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA
 
Reprint Address: Jacso, P, Univ Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA. 

E-mail Address: jacos at hawaii.edu 

Cited Reference Count: 20 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED 

Publisher Address: HOWARD HOUSE, WAGON LANE, BINGLEY BD16 1WA, W 
YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 1468-4527 

DOI: 10.1108/14694520810889718 

29-char Source Abbrev.: ONLINE INF REV 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Online Inf. Rev. 

Source Item Page Count: 16 

Subject Category: Computer Science, Information Systems; Information 
Science & Library Science 

ISI Document Delivery No.: 333RY 

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