How to Use Publish or Perish

Getting started with Publish or Perish

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up and use Publish or Perish to retrieve and analyse academic citations from Google Scholar and Crossref. By the end, you'll be able to assess your academic output with ease.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to the Publish or Perish website.
2. Click on the "Download" button to get the software. It's free, so you won't need to enter any payment details.
3. Follow the installation prompts specific to your operating system (Windows or macOS).
4. Once installed, open the application. You don’t need to create an account; it’s ready to use right away.

Step 2: Your first citation analysis

1. In the main window, click on “File” in the top menu and select “New Query.”
2. Choose your data source: select “Google Scholar” or “Crossref” from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter your search criteria. For example, you can input your name or the title of one of your publications.
4. Click the “Search” button. The tool will retrieve citation data based on your criteria.
5. Once the results load, you can see metrics like h-index, g-index, and total citations displayed in the results panel.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use advanced search options by clicking “Options” in the search window. Here, you can refine your search by specifying publication years or excluding certain terms.
2. Regularly update your queries by clicking on the “Refresh” button to get the latest citation data.
3. Export your results by selecting “File” > “Export,” then choose your desired format (e.g., CSV or BibTeX) for easier sharing or further analysis.

Pro tip

Use the “Metrics” tab after running your query to compare your citation metrics with those of other researchers in your field. This will help you understand your standing better.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid using overly broad search terms. If you enter a common name or title, you may retrieve irrelevant results. Be specific with your search criteria to get accurate citation data.