Core Journal Networks and Cocitation Maps: New Bibliometric Tools for Serials Research and Management

Two different techniques of potential interest to bibliometricians and serials collection specialists are used to identify and study core journal literatures. The genetics literature is used as an example of their application. Intercitation data from the "Journal Citation Reports" for "Science Citation Index" are analyzed using spreadsheet software to identify a core network of thirty-three genetics journals linked by substantial intercitations. Cocitation data for these thirty-three journals are gathered online from SCISEARCH. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSSX) programs are used to cluster journals based on cocitation pattern similarity and to create a two-dimensional map that graphically illustrates the subject structure of genetics. Genetics lacks a single unified core literature; it consists of a number of loosely linked research specialties, each with its own "core" journal set. Core network analysis and cocited journal mapping are useful in identifying a subject-focused core literature, measuring relative journal prominence, gaining a broader view of information generation and use by a library's clienteles, and establishing long-term collection development plans.