Web of Science , Scopus , Dimensions are among the largest subscription databases which provide bibliometric figures and include data from thousands of peer reviewed sources. These provide citations, collaborations, publication sources, authors affiliations and many other measures.
The University of Aberdeen subscribes to Web of Science and uses InCites Analytics (Clarivate) as metrics source and benchmarking tool.
Limitations:
- Web of Science, Scopus and Dimensions are not inclusive: journal publications are better represented than books, book chapters and conference proceedings. This disadvantages subject areas where books and/or conference papers are primary form of research outputs, such as arts and humanities, and must be considered when analysing metrics of different subjects.
- Data coverage: the resources included differs according to the database, as consequence metrics for authors, articles and institutions might vary depending on which database is used.
- Data accuracy: it might happen that publications are attributed to the wrong author. This may occur more frequently when an author uses different names (e.g. when the second name/s is used inconsistently) in different publications. Authors that spot mistakes in their publication record can request an edit to the provider. The best way to minimise such mistakes is for researchers to have an
ORCID ID linked to their online research profiles.