HSLS Update

Journal Citation Reports 2026 Now Available

Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2026, reflecting 2025 data, is now available. JCR is a publisher-neutral database produced annually by Clarivate that provides a range of quantitative metrics—most notably the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). Integrated with Web of Science (WOS), JCR data is compiled from the WOS Core Collection, which includes the Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, Arts and Humanities Citation Index, and Emerging Sources Citation Index. The United States continues to represent the plurality of represented authors at 25%, closely followed by mainland China at 23%.

The 2026 release includes 521 journals receiving a JIF (Excel) for the first time, with 58% of those journals from outside the United States and Western Europe, bringing the total number of journals tracked by JCR to 22,643. At the same time, a small number of journals were suppressed from the 2025 JCR Data for anomalous citation patterns, which could affect the journal’s Impact Factor.

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American Ingenuity in the Health Sciences

A book lying open. The left page features a watercolor painting of a gate followed by buildings. The right page is the title page. Text reads "27th General Hospital in New Guinea - Surgical Reports." — Title page and watercolor illustration showing the main entrance to the 27th General Hospital, c1945.

To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the History of Health Sciences collection presents “American Ingenuity in the Health Sciences,” an exhibit that highlights major contributions by American health professionals through unique materials. Their work, individually and collaboratively, significantly advanced their professions and solved major problems in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The exhibit starts with a plain, leather-bound book from the Revolutionary War era that was the first book on military medicine written by an American doctor. Dr. John Jones wrote Plain Concise Practical Remarks on the Treatment of Wounds and Fractures in 1775. The Philadelphia publisher combined Jones’ work with other brief writings about military and naval medicine to “preserve the lives of many of those valuable citizens of America, who are now contending for the mighty prize of freedom.” Also from this period is a book written by the only physician to sign the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Benjamin Rush.

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Drug Information Transition and New Subject Guide

Due to a drug information resource transition in late June, Micromedex is no longer available at UPMC or the University of Pittsburgh.

To support Pitt coursework, teaching, and clinical preparation, we have created a dedicated guide featuring alternative resources available through the Health Sciences Library System to University of Pittsburgh students and faculty. To access it from the HSLS homepage, scroll down to the Featured box and click on Subject Guides and Portals. On the alphabetical listing, see Drug Information Alternatives to Micromedex.

HSLS’s Drug Information Resource Guide (available in the same alphabetical listing of guides) may also be of interest. Both guides offer links to drug information by topic, oriented around common questions encountered in academic and clinical settings. The Drug Information Resource Guide looks more broadly to include a wider variety of resources. School of Pharmacy students may want to access their SoP Portal as well.

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Learn @ HSLS: Data Transparency and Privacy in Generative AI Tools

Join us for this class:
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, noon-1 p.m., Online
Taught by Alyssa Young
Register for Data Transparency and Privacy in Generative AI Tools*

Are you interested in using generative AI tools but are concerned about lack of data transparency and/or privacy? In this class, we will talk about different options for generative AI tools and how your choice of tool affects your privacy and the transparency of how said tool will use your data. You’ll learn to navigate privacy policies, compare data practices, and evaluate user control options. At the end of the class, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions about which AI tools align with your privacy and transparency values.

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Happening at Falk Library in August

Visitors to Falk Library, located in Alan Magee Scaife Hall, are encouraged to check out these opportunities and displays:

Welcome Back Snacks

Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28

We’re kicking off the new school year with free snacks in Falk Library! Snacks will be available on the Main Floor of the library from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., while supplies last.

On Display

American Ingenuity in the Health Sciences (Rare Book Room Window Display, Lower Floor)

HSLS is celebrating this important national anniversary by remembering some important medical advancements from American innovators since 1776. In addition to the polio vaccine, American minds also discovered anesthesia, created chiropractic medicine, figured out the production of the first antibiotic, and much more! Don’t miss it!