Web of Science subscription ending Dec. 2020

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Posted by Sara Volmering on

The University Libraries’ subscription to Web of Science will end on Dec. 31, 2020. We recommend Scopus, a database that indexes scholarly literature in the natural and social sciences, as an alternative resource.

After an extensive review, we determined that Web of Science and Scopus had similar features and a 70% overlap in indexing in the sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. We also found that Scopus’ user interface was easier to navigate, requiring fewer clicks to search the index and access abstracts.

Users who have created a personal scholar profile through Publons, a website associated with Web of Science, may continue to use the free features without access to the database.

The savings generated by canceling Web of Science will allow the Libraries to preserve access to additional full-text content. We will prioritize full-text content over indexes as we continue to make changes and absorb a significant budget reduction.

To help library users’ transition to Scopus, we will facilitate an online workshop and demonstration with SCOPUS representatives on Oct. 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn more about the session and register online.  Connect with your subject librarian for help with your research or questions about this upcoming change.