The Dalhousie Libraries currently subscribe to two major multi-disciplinary abstracting & indexing databases: Web of Science and Scopus. After a careful comparison of content, functionality and cost, the Libraries will cancel Web of Science database in 2022, since it duplicates the content and functionality from Scopus and from other subject-specific databases.
In the lead up to the cancellation of this product, we want to know more about any unique researcher use of the product, in order to manage the transition and find solutions for instances where Scopus is not a viable alternative. Other than searching Web of Science as an abstracting & indexing database to locate articles, is there any other aspect of Web of Science that is critical to your research program? Please send your responses by Friday, May 21 to: Library.Collections@dal.ca
Balwantray Chauhan says
I have beeb using Web of science since its inception and I am used to its functionality. I am aware that library cannot keep all subscriptions. I also am aware of the functionality of Scopus. While these are comparable (with minor differences) as far as citation numbers, H-indices, etc are concerned, the Journal Impact factor is something that is important to retain. I know Scopus offers a similar index, but many organizations are not familiar with this. I think we would lose a lot if we cannot get the journal impact factor. Is there any way we can relain this service?
Thank you,
Marlo MacKay says
Thank you for your comments. We appreciate the input that you have provided related to your use of this database. The information provided by you and your colleagues will assist the Libraries in identifying alternate databases and tools that can be used to accomplish similar research-related goals.
Journal impact factors are compiled in the database known as Journal Citation Reports (JCR). The Web of Science and JCR databases are separate subscriptions, which means that when Web of Science is cancelled, faculty will still be able to use JCR to look up impact factors. I hope this helps to address your concerns. If you have further comments or questions, please get in touch with us at library.collections@dal.ca.