Did You Know?

Elsevier TrainingDesk -
A new way to interact

An exciting new resource is now available to Scopus users who want to learn more about the value that drives our product. Elsevier TrainingDesk is a new online learning platform which includes topic focused trainings that put product functionality in context. Each feature in Scopus has an impact on our daily work of research and analysis and the topic focused sessions provide the context in which these features can best be used.

Headed by Gali Halevi, the TrainingDesk also provides a collaborative and interactive learning environment where Scopus users can access various training resources ranging from written materials, automatic simulations, traditional online trainings, and 2.0 tools including a wiki and blog that encourages knowledge sharing.

Gali explains, “tagging, blogs, wikis and RSS feeds (to name but a few) are changing the traditional library functions of indexing, cataloging and information dissemination. The greatest impact of these tools is visible in the areas of information access and delivery.” She continues, “From ‘push’ information, we are moving towards ‘pull’ information and beyond. Libraries today utilize wikis and RSS feeds to deliver library news and catalog updates; they also solicit patrons’ feedback and participation in the form of blog comments and the ability to alter existing information.”

As a result, most library-related functions are becoming more collaborative and flexible as users become active participants.

The TrainingDesk is not just limited to Scopus users. Users new to EMBASE.com, Engineering Village, and ScienceDirect can also find introductory and more advanced topical trainings, tutorials and reference guides on how to use these products, as well as participating and learning from others through the practice wiki, which is the ultimate collaborative information tool.

An advantage of the TrainingDesk is that learners can easily access it regardless of their location and can progress at their own pace. It opens up a multidimensional exchange of knowledge in which both trainers and trainees learn from one another, creating a knowledge base rather than a fixed training channel.

“Via the site we are offering topic-focused trainings such as Creating Enhanced Current Awareness Services Using RSS Feeds and Knowledge Organization, Discovery and Sharing Using Tags,” says Gali. “Through the topic-focused trainings, participants can learn how best to accomplish their goals by using multiple tools and products. Topic-focused trainings allow users to focus on what they’re trying to achieve, as opposed to product-focused trainings in which participants simply gain experience with using specific products.”

To learn more about the TrainingDesk, go to www.trainingdesk.elsevier.com.

Find the most cited articles across 26 subject areas with Scopus TopCited
Scopus continues to increase research productivity with TopCited, a new website that offers users an instant, five year overview of the top 20 cited articles across 26 subject areas. Powered by Application Programming Interface (API) technology, Scopus Topcited is part of the Scopus Integration Program which assists third parties to add value and content to their online offering with continuously updated data.

Not only does TopCited provide the top cited articles, it also displays authors, their affiliations, cited-by counts and combines this information with Google maps.

Topcited uses the freely available Scopus search API which easily integrates Scopus content into an application or website, thereby providing a very dynamic partnering solution. Institutions benefit greatly from using the Scopus search API, since they can build their own top cited and promote their researchers and articles, or access records directly from the API-created mashup.

“This site is one example of how the search API can work and how users can leverage Scopus to benefit their own web offering. We are looking forward to seeing what exciting new things others will develop and hope that our TopCited website will serve as an inspiration.” said Niels Weertman, Director Scopus. “This is another great way in which we can learn more about our customer needs.”

Go to Scopus’ Top Cited to see if your research is listed.