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Citation Indexes: Scopus & Web of Science

How to use Scopus and Web of Science for basic research and in-depth literature searching.

Using Scopus as an Author

The Scopus algorithm uses the article metadata for publications in a journal indexed by Scopus to create Scopus Author Profiles when two or more articles are linked to one author name. Authors with similar names are assigned different Scopus Author Identifiers, but it is the responsibility of the individual author to ensure that citations are accurately assigned to the right identifier.

  •  Author profiles: To ensure accurate records, authors must claim their profiles in order to submit requests for edits and corrections. Please note that Scopus Author Profiles can be edited only through submitting a request to the Author Feedback Wizard (see below); individuals cannot edit their own.
    • In addition to contact and citation information, your Author Profile can also show awarded grants and preprints when indexed by Scopus.
  • Unique identifier: Scopus Author Identifier. Errors can be corrected through submission to the Author Feedback Wizard, which is also how you can request to link your ORCID account.
  • Metrics (for articles indexed in Scopus):
    • Total citation count
    • H-index score, indicating the ratio of total articles published to citations
    • Field-Weighted Citation Impact

Using Web of Science as an Author

When you have a publication in a journal indexed by Web of Science, the algorithm assigns you an author record and Web of Science ResearcherID, which you must claim in order to eliminate duplicate records and inaccurate information.

  • Author profiles: Web of Science's author profiles, known as Researcher Profiles, are integrated with Publons, the peer review platform. You must create a Web of Science account to claim your publications and ResearcherID, and from there correct any errors. If you have an exiting Publons account, it is now integrated into Web of Science.
    • Your Author Profile will also show listed peer review and editor work if added to Publons.
  • Unique identifier: Web of Science ResearcherID. You can also add your ORCID number.
  • Metrics (for articles indexed in Web of Science):
    • Citation count
    • Citation network
    • Author Impact Beamplot