Why I Love Google Scholar (and Why You Might, Too)

I’ve said this to my students more than once: Google Scholar is not just about the numbers. Sure, citation counts and h-indexes can be helpful, especially when putting together tenure files, award nominations, or grant applications. But for me, the real value of Google Scholar goes far beyond metrics.

It’s about connection and curiosity.

Whenever I check my Google Scholar profile, I’m not just looking at how often something’s been cited—I’m looking at who is engaging with my work and how. I want to know which papers are generating interest. Are people building on the ideas? Are they using them in unexpected ways? Sometimes I learn that a concept I explored offhandedly is what struck a chord, and that can be a powerful insight as I plan my next project.

In many ways, it’s a way of checking the temperature in the room. What’s resonating? What’s circulating? What’s being cited together? I also use Google Scholar to give back—I make a point of citing newer work that references mine when relevant, especially from emerging scholars, so we’re continuing the conversation rather than letting it stall.

It’s also been an amazing tool for discovery. I’ve used Google Scholar to find articles, track down authors whose names I only half-remembered, and to locate people to invite to conference panels or collaborative projects. It’s especially handy when you're organizing something and want to ensure you're including a wide range of voices—across institutions, countries, and career stages.

That’s why I always encourage my students to create a Google Scholar profile as soon as they have their first publication. Not only does it make their work more visible and easier to find, but for many, it also becomes a source of pride. There’s something quietly powerful about seeing your name attached to knowledge that is now out in the world, part of a wider academic conversation.

So yes, I love Google Scholar. Not because it tells me I’m “important,” but because it reminds me I’m part of something bigger.