Open Citations as a Tool for Bibliometric Verification and Transparency and for Correcting Erroneous References

Abstract

Citations in a scientific paper reference other studies and form the information backbone of that paper. If cited literature is valid and non-retracted, an analysis of citations can offer unique perspectives about the supportive or contradictory nature of a statement. Yet, such analyses are still limited by the relative lack of access to open citation data. The creation of open citation databases (OCDs) allows for data analysts, bibliometric specialists, and other academics interested in such topics to independently verify the validity and accuracy of a citation. Since the strength of an individual’s curriculum vitae can be based on, and assessed by, metrics (citation counts, altmetric mentions, journal ranks, etc.), there is interest in appreciating citation networks and their link to research performance. Open citations would thus not only benefit career, funding, and employment initiatives, but they could also be used to reveal citation rings, abusive author–author or journal–journal citation strategies, or to detect false or erroneous citations. OCDs should be open to the public, and publishers have a moral responsibility of releasing citation data for free use and academic exploration. Some challenges remain, including long-term funding, and data and information security.