Collection Spotlight: Increasing Access to Global Research via the Emerging Sources Citation Index in Web of Science
by Emily Hart, Life Sciences Librarian & Research Impact Lead
The Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) (about ESCI) is a collection of journals, included within the Web of Science Core Collection, that are relatively new and have been vetted by Web of Science for quality. The focus of the ESCI is to expand access to journals and research produced in developing countries, such as Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. The collection also focuses on including “newly launched, niche and open access journals” (Clarivate, ESCI).
Large literature indexes/databases like Scopus and Web of Science, have a reputation for being highly selective about the journals they include. For Web of Science, the process they follow to decide whether a journal is included in their database, uses a rigorous set of 24 criteria that journals must meet. Examples of the criteria include having a title and abstract in English, providing proof of being able to adhere to a strict publication schedule, and demonstrating that most of the articles included within the journal are original research articles. Meeting the criteria can be especially challenging for journal publishers residing in non-English speaking countries that may lack the infrastructure, technology, staffing, etc. to publish journals on a consistent schedule.
Web of Science’s efforts to create the Emerging Sources Citation Index, and to include those sources in the Web of Science Core Collection alongside journals that have long standing publication histories, is commendable. Additionally, they made a recent change to their policies regarding assigning emerging journals a Journal Impact Factor (JIF), a popular journal metric, which can be influential for the uptake, reputation, success and longevity of a journal. These are positive steps towards diversifying content and providing access to global knowledge.
To explore the Emerging Sources Citation Index, begin in Web of Science, provided by SU Libraries. When doing a Web of Science search, by default you’re searching the Web of Science Core Collection, which includes the ESCI. If you’d like to search in only the ESCI, look for “Search in: Web of Science Core Collection,” then click on the drop-down arrow next to “Editions: All.” Then uncheck “Select All” and re-select the “Emerging Sources Citation Index.” Now you’re ready to search!
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