How to use Web of Science for literature citation tracking?

To effectively track literature citations using Web of Science (WoS), identify publications citing specific articles or explore trends within a research field. WoS provides robust tools specifically designed for this purpose. Access to the WoS database via an institutional subscription is essential. The primary mechanism involves searching for a seed publication and then utilizing the "Cited References" link to find articles that cite it. Users can also employ the "Citation Network" features to visualize linkages. Key considerations include coverage limitations, as WoS indexes a selective set of high-impact journals and conference proceedings, potentially missing relevant literature from non-covered sources. Effective tracking requires accurate seed article identification and thoughtful application of search filters. Implement citation tracking by first accessing Web of Science. Search for a key article of interest. Upon viewing its record, navigate to the "Times Cited" or "Cited References" count/link to view the full list of citing or cited publications. Use the "Citation Network" or "Create Citation Report" features for broader analysis. Finally, set up email "Citation Alerts" to receive automated notifications when new publications cite the seed article. This enables researchers to monitor the dissemination and impact of foundational works and stay current with evolving research fronts.