The diffusion of H-related literature

In the present study we attempt to trace the diffusion of h-related literature over a five-year period beginning with the introduction of the h-index. The study is based on a reliable and representative publication set of 755 papers retrieved from the Web of Science database using keywords and citation links. In the course of the study we analyse several aspects of the emergence of this topic, the differentiation of methodological research, its application within and outside the field and the dissemination process of information among different disciplines in the sciences and social sciences. Finally, a cluster analysis of h-related literature is conducted. The hybrid clustering algorithm results in four clusters, which depict two different aspects each of basic and applied research related to the h-index and its derivatives.

► We traced the diffusion of h-related literature over a five-year period beginning with the introduction of the h-index.
► A reliable and representative publication set of h-related literatures has been retrieved.
► A hybrid clustering analysis of h-related literatures was conducted and resulted in four clusters representing different aspects of basic and applied research.
► Topic- and method-related applications of h-index outside the field are discussed.