Jacso, P (Jacso, Peter) The plausibility of computing the h-index of scholarly productivity and impact using reference-enhanced databases ONLINE INFORMATION REVIEW, 32 (2): 266-283 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: jacso at hawaii.edu 

URL: http://www.jacso.info/PDFs/jacso-h-index-plausibility-OIR-2008-32-
2.pdf

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

Title: The plausibility of computing the h-index of scholarly productivity 
and impact using reference-enhanced databases 

Source: ONLINE INFORMATION REVIEW, 32 (2): 266-283 2008 
 
Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: databases; indexing 

Keywords Plus: CITATION COUNTS; HIRSCH INDEX; SCIENTISTS; JOURNALS; 
SCIENCE; GAME 

Abstract: Purpose - This paper aims to provide a general overview, to be 
followed by a series of papers focusing on the analysis of pros and cons 
of the three largest, cited-reference-enhanced, multidisciplinary 
databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) for determining the 
h-index.
Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on the analysis of pros 
and cons of the three largest, cited-reference-enhanced, multidisciplinary 
databases (Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science).

Findings - The h-index, developed by Jorge E. Hirsch to quantify the 
scientific output of researchers, has immediately received well-deserved 
attention in academia. The theoretical part of his idea was widely 
embraced, and even enhanced, by several researchers. Many of them also 
recommended derivative metrics based on Hirsch's idea to compensate for 
potential distortion factors, such as high self-citation rates. The 
practical aspects of determining the h-index also need scrutiny, because 
some content and software characteristics of reference-enhanced databases 
can strongly influence the h-index values.

Originality/value - The paper focuses on the analysis of pros and cons of 
the three largest, cited-reference-enhanced, multidisciplinary databases. 

Addresses: Univ Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA 

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

E-mail Address: jacso at hawaii.edu 

Cited Reference Count: 24 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LIMITED 

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

ISSN: 1468-4527 

29-char Source Abbrev.: ONLINE INF REV 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Online Inf. Rev. 

Source Item Page Count: 18 

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

ISI Document Delivery No.: 305GY 

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