An Explication of HistCiteTM: Updates, Modifications, and a Variety of Applications

Abstract This paper aims to introduce HistciteTM, its modifications, and possible applications. Officially launched in 2007, HistciteTM was a bibliometric analysis and visualization software package developed by Dr. Eugene Garfield and his colleagues in 2001. The upgraded versions, HistciteTM pro 2.0 and 2.1, modified the way to open the software and automatically read the raw data of the Web of Science. Pre-processing methods offered practical solutions for problems of insufficient data via possible applications with various software features. While utilizing the HistCiteTM algorithm, the main-path analysis may serve to highlight the structural backbone used in developing an emerging scientific field through a series of identifiable citation networks. Although HistCiteTM has ceased updating, it remains a promising tool for researchers wishing to perform bibliometric analysis through technical refinement and enhancements.