This is really interesting (& worrying) as in the UK the REF is going to be using Google Scholar citation data as part of the analysis of the quality of research in “Computer Science and Informatics”.

Thanks Cathy,

That’s very interesting, isn’t it? It strikes me that concerns about manipulating Web of Knowledge look at strategic, long term, and collaborative fixing (editorial practices, guidelines for prospective authors, establishing ‘citation cartels’ – all of which take more than one person to do and take time to take effect), whereas the authors are demonstrating how an individual can skew GS from the comfort of their office in a short time.

Best,

Andrew

Hi,

I am not a bibliometrician but I thought the list may be interested in this article http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1212/1212.0638.pdf

Apologies if you have already seen it.

Best wishes

Cathy

Cathy Tong

Knowledge Consultant (Business Support)

Information Hertfordshire,

University of Hertfordshire

College Lane LRC.

Tel: 01707-2856104

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