Google Scholar, the search engine for scientific publications from Google, has got an additional new tool for scientists: Google Scholar Citations. The service offers scientist the possibility to track how often their publications got cited in other publications. The output are statistic or heuristic analysis (h-index, i10 index), a metadata export is possible via the file formats of BibTeX, Endnote und RefMan. It is necessary to set up an account to track your publications, where the links of the publications are deposited.

The number of citations is a statistic proof for the success of scientific publications, therefor the new Google service will find a large number of interested scientists. But it remains doubtful how far the free service will replace the existing service for social studies Social Science Citation Index (SSCI). The Google service will only use the limited Google Scholar database, which is much smaller than the SSCI database.

The team of @Mire has tested the new service and published their expierience as Facebook-note. (See also the first experience from Jane Tinkler of the London School of Economics and Political Science)