Citationchaser: A tool for citation chasing in academic searching

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This review evaluates the Citationchaser tool as a research support application for systematic reviews, specifically focusing on its functionality and reliability in citation chasing. Citation chasing, a valuable technique in evidence synthesis, enables researchers to trace references backward (articles cited by a work) and forward (articles citing a work). This study highlights Citationchaser’s contribution to making these processes efficient and accessible. The review evaluates Citationchaser's performance by examining its dependency on the Lens.org database and comparing its citation-chasing capabilities with traditional bibliometric tools. Key features of the Citationchaser web application (Shiny app), including backward and forward citation chasing, are analyzed using a sample dataset to assess retrieval accuracy and citation coverage. Limitations, such as database dependency, update delays, and network visualization, are also discussed. Citationchaser streamlines citation chasing by automating the retrieval of references and citations, making it a valuable tool for researchers with limited access to traditional citation indexes. However, its reliance on Lens.org limits its coverage, and the discontinuation of Microsoft Academic Graph poses challenges to its comprehensiveness. Additionally, the ‘Network’ and ‘Analysis’ feature lacks the sophistication required for effective citation mapping, suggesting that researchers may need to complement Citationchaser with other bibliometric tools for advanced analyses. This review provides the first critical assessment of Citationchaser as a citation-chasing tool for systematic reviews. By examining its strengths, limitations, and future potential, this study offers insights into how Citationchaser could evolve to meet researchers' needs more comprehensively, positioning it as a potentially valuable addition to research support services for systematic reviews.