Call for Submissions, Phoenix Scholar Special Edition: Adult Learners in Online Higher Education
Due to the complexities of the scholarly publishing environment, there is no 100% accurate method for picking out a predatory publisher. However, we can offer some suggestions on how to determine if a journal might be predatory. We recommend that you use a mix of these methods, as any single method is unlikely to provide guidance on its own.
Check the UOPX library: Log into the UOPX University Library and search for the journal using the “Find a Specific Publication” resource on the homepage. If the journal appears in the library database (you must log into eCampus first for the link to work), make sure you can access recent journal issues and read articles. Some predatory publishers are represented in our library, and libraries in other Universities, so in addition to this you should keep these things in mind.
Check Cabell’s (from Library home page select “View All Resources Alphabetically): Cabell’s is recognized as a top journal database across disciplines. This database (you must be logged into eCampus for the link to work) lists all journals that meet their selection criteria. If your journal appears on this list then there is a good chance it is not predatory. Journals listed as emergent do not have an established practice or reputation and should be carefully considered.
Check Beall’s List of Journals and Publishers: while this is not the final say on whether a journal is predatory or not, it is a good place to gather information. If your journal does not appear on this list you should still check the library and Cabell’s to see if the journal appears there. If it does appear on this list, you should still check the same. NOTE: this resource is only for open access journals.
As of January 2017, the link above has been removed by its publisher. For additional suggestions visit, The Office of Scholarship Support’s Response to Beall’s List Going Offline.
See if the journal is included in other reputable ranking and directories. We suggest checking the Directory of Open Access Journals and Scimago Journal and Country Rank.
Look at the journal’s website:
If it seems really easy and fast to get your article published in a journal then you might want trust your instincts and take time to question whether that journal is really reputable. Remember, publishing in predatory journals means that you won’t get the recognition you deserve from your peers and community.
If you are wondering about a particular journal, and can’t quite make out whether it is predatory or not, please reach out to a Research Chair or to the OSS staff at: OSS@phoenix.edu
Comments
Challie,
This is an excellent post. I have talked with a number of researchers and faculty who have a great deal of experience with journal publication. You post did a wonderful job of covering all of the major advice I received on the identification of predatory journals and a few more that I had not run across. I really appreciate this advice and I plan on sharing it with a few folks who are seeking journals right now.
Thank you again!
Jim Rice