Scopus, a multi-disciplinary literature database, has recently launched CiteScore metrics for titles that publish on a regular basis, such as journals and other serial publications. The CiteScore was developed as another tool for analyzing the importance of journals, similar to the Journal Impact Factor originally developed by the Institute for Scientific Information and now available in Journal Citation Reports (JCR) through the Web of Science database.

The Cite Score is calculated by dividing number of citations received in a calendar year by all items published in the journal in the preceding three years. This is similar to how the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is calculated, with a few major differences: 1.The JIF is calculated by measuring the preceding 2 years, as compared with 3 years for the CiteScore 2. CiteScore is less selective about how it determines citable items, and will include records with potential for citations (including letters to editor, news pieces) whereas the JIF only includes records that are most likely to draw citations, such as research papers 3. Access to CiteScore is freely available, whereas JCR requires a subscription. See a detailed FAQ page or more information.

In order to try out this new tool, select the Sources tab upon access of Scopus, as pictured below. If there are questions about this or other Hardin Library resources, please contact our reference desk or follow up with the appropriate subject librarian.