1.1.2 A cautionary note

A word of caution before we start. This book provides lay users with an overview of how to use citation analysis in a more effective and responsible way. However, it is important to note that although high quality scholarship might be highly cited, citations are not in and of themselves a measure of quality. When assessing the quality of scholarship, there is no substitute for reading an academics work.

Further, whether using metrics for counting publications or citations, another crucial question that should always be asked is: “Has the scholar asked an important question and investigated it in such a way that it has the potential to advance societal understanding and well-being?”