Identifying Trustworthy Journals
Published: 3 February 2020
And how to avoid publishing in a so-called predatory journal
Sharing research results with the world is key to the progress of your discipline and career.
But with an ever-growing list of publication venues, can you be sure that you can trust a particular journal?
As discussed in this recent commentary, there is no formula for distinguishing a trustworthy journal from a so-called predatory one.
We recommend that you consult with colleagues as to the best venue for your work – this is good practice anyway, as it helps to ensure that your research findings reach the intended audience. For example, a recent citation analysis shows that 60% of papers in dubious journals were not cited at all (only 9% of articles in control journals received no citation).
We also recommend that you use a practical checklist such as the one provided on the https://thinkchecksubmit.org/ website.
Some things to look out for include:
- Do you or your colleagues know the journal?
- Is the journal clear about the type of peer review it uses?
- Do you recognise the members of the editorial board?
- Is the publisher a member of a recognised industry initiative?
Further information is available on Information Services webpages: Choosing Where to Submit Your Manuscript
First published: 3 February 2020