Citation Chaining Techniques

Citation chaining is the process of using one good source to find other useful sources.

There are two main types:

• Backward chaining – checking the references or bibliography of a source

• Forward chaining – finding newer sources that have cited the one you’re reading

Used together, they help you follow the development of ideas and find more relevant, high-quality material.

Citation chaining is especially useful when:

• You find a key article, chapter, or book and want to explore related sources

• You’re building a literature review or working on a dissertation

• You need to understand how ideas or debates have evolved over time

• You’re exploring a niche or emerging topic where sources are harder to find

• You want to check the authority of a source by seeing what others have said about it

Tip: It’s usually not needed for standard undergraduate assignments unless your brief includes wider reading beyond the reading list.

Still deciding on a topic? Make sure it’s grounded in existing research.

Start with a good article or book — ideally something recent and relevant. Then:

1. Check the references or bibliography at the end

2. Identify key sources that the author used

3. Search for those sources using LibrarySearch or a subject database

Why it’s useful: Helps you understand the foundation of the author’s thinking and find earlier important works.

Once you’ve found a useful source, you can look for newer works that have cited it.

Try tools like:

• Scopus or Web of Science - powerful citation tracking tools that show who has cited a work and how the research has evolved. 

• Google Scholar - use the “Cited by” link beneath the result to find newer sources

• LibrarySearch - some records include “Cited by” or “References” links (availability varies)

Why it’s useful: You can identify newer studies that respond to, build on, or challenge earlier research — giving you a more current perspective.

Note: LibrarySearch supports basic citation chaining, but tools like Scopus and Web of Science usually offer more comprehensive results.

Different platforms provide different levels of citation tracking. Here’s how they compare:

Best tools for citation chaining across platforms:

• LibrarySearch
  Sometimes shows “Cited by” and “References” links — but coverage is limited.
  Can I trace citations in LibrarySearch?
  
  
• Google Scholar
  Offers strong forward chaining via "Cited by” and supports backward chaining thorugh reference lists.
  See how to use Google Scholar
  
  
• Semantic Scholar
  Particularly strong for STEM subjects. Includes citation graphs, context summaries and forward/backward links.
  See how to use Semantic Scholar
  
  
• Scopus and Web of Science
  Best for comprehensive and structured citation tracking. Ideal for dissertations and PGR work.
  Scopus and Web of Science

Some publisher platforms also support citation chaining — but in a more limited way.

They typically:

• Show reference lists (backward chaining)

• Sometimes show “Cited by” links — depending on data from Scopus, CrossRef, or their own systems

• Only include citations within their own collection — so the trail stops at the platform boundary

Examples: ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, JSTOR, Westlaw

Tip: Start with broader tools like Google Scholar or Scopus to find citation paths — then use publisher platforms to access full text or check context.

Browse the full Library Resources A–Z list

Topic: Sleep and anxiety in university students

You find this article:
Alvaro, P. K., Roberts, R. M., & Harris, J. K. (2013).
A systematic review assessing bidirectionality between sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Sleep, 36(7), 1059–1068.

Backward chaining:

• Check the reference list

• You find earlier studies on university students and sleep problems

Forward chaining:

• Use one of the tools listed in the Which Tools Support Citation Chaining? section

• You find more recent articles that expanded or challenged the findings

This way, you follow the academic conversation in both directions.

Just because a work is cited doesn’t mean it’s useful

Ask:

• Is this source academic and peer-reviewed?

• Is it still up to date?

• Does it actually relate to your topic?

• Does the author agree or disagree with it?

Tip: Use the skills from the Evaluating Information page to check before you include a source in your work.