The dimensions of cited reference enhanced database subsets

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss databases with cited references. Design/methodology/approach - The paper considers the dimensions of cited reference enhanced database subsets. Findings - The typical database has the ski slope shape, as there is a fairly steady, gradual growth in the yearly number of records added. This is not true for the shape of the cited references subset, as in most databases cited references have been added to the records only for the past few years. Practical implications - There are many features which are specific to cited references, and thus the traditional bibliographic database design is just not sufficient. Originality/value - The paper examines the issues surrounding cited reference enhanced database subsets.