Library guides and databases: Web of Science: Policy Citation Index

Policy Citation Index

The Policy Citation Index is a specialised citation index for policy documents such as reports and working papers from policy-oriented organisations. It is built on the ProQuest Policy File Index database. To access the database, select "Policy Citation Index" on the drop-down menu in the main search screen:

The individual policy document pages then have metadata including details of the research papers it cites, and a link to a copy of the original report where possible.

Pages for research articles in the Web of Science Core Collection now also identify citations from policy material. Similarly, author profile pages include the number of citations from policy documents for that author's work.

However, it is not currently possible to search in Web of Science for policy material citing specific research papers.

As of spring 2025, the database contains around 210,000 policy documents. This is significantly lower than comparable databases such as Overton or Policy Commons, which have several million records, and so it may not be the best place to carry out a literature search focused on policy material, as those other databases are more comprehensive. The Web of Science index is also limited to title/abstract/keyword searching, rather than full text.

Overton
On access users should follow the link and Browse the site or create an account and Login to to save searches, set email alerts, tags and bookmarks and set up key sources lists. Overton is the world’s largest collection of policy documents, parliamentary transcripts, government guidance and think tank research
Policy Commons Complete
Access to millions of pages of curated, high quality policy reports, briefs, analyses, working papers, and datasets from thousands of policy organisations including IGOs, NGOs and think tanks from around the world. UCL has access to the full suite of modules which consists of:
- Global Think Tanks : The largest database for public policy, covering reports, working papers, policy briefs, data sources, and media drawn from a directory of IGOs, NGOs, and research centers. Please note that UCL users already had subscribed access to this module
- Public Health and Social Care : Bringing together research, pilot projects, real-world evaluations, newsletters, and collaborative projects from frontline health providers, hospital systems, foundations, patient groups, practitioner communities, governments, think tanks, and other organizations produce
- World Cities and Local Governments
- World Governments : Millions of essential research documents from more than 150 governments around the world, enriched and integrated on a single platform
Please view this short video introducing the platform and features.