Is Google Scholar useful for the evaluation of non-English scientific journals? The case of Chinese journals

Zhang, Yang; Lun, Huilian; Yang, Zhejun

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/96676 Copy

Description

Title

Is Google Scholar useful for the evaluation of non-English scientific journals? The case of Chinese journals

Author(s)

• Zhang, Yang
• Lun, Huilian
• Yang, Zhejun

Issue Date

2017

Keyword(s)

• Scientometrics
• Google Scholar
• Journal evaluation
• Non-English journals
• Citation analysis

Abstract

This study aims to explore how useful Google Scholar is for the evaluation of non-English journals with the case of Chinese journals. Based on a sample of 150 Chinese journals across two disciplines, it provides a comparison between Google Scholar and Chongqing VIP, which is an important Chinese citation database, from three aspects: resource coverage, journal ranking and citation data. Results indicate that Google Scholar is equipped with sufficient resources and citation data for the evaluation of Chinese journals. However, the Chinese journal ranking reported by Google Scholar Metrics is not developed enough. But Google Scholar is able to be an alternative source of citation data instead of Chinese citation databases. The Average Citation is a useful metric in the evaluation of Chinese journals with data from Google Scholar to provide a comprehensive reflection of journals’ impact. Overall, Google Scholar is useful and worthy of attention when evaluating Chinese journals.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2017 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/96676

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2017 Yang Zhang, Huilian Lun, and Zhejun Yang

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