The growth of open-access journals has made it easier than ever for researchers to find and access scholarly content. Many academics prefer publishing in open-access journals because it increases visibility and facilitates broader, faster dissemination of their work. However, the rise of predatory journals means authors must exercise caution.
It’s crucial to carefully evaluate journals before submitting manuscripts, as predatory publishers can undermine the credibility and integrity of academic research. The checklist below can guide researchers in distinguishing reputable journals from those that may pose risks.
There are several ways to assess the credibility of an open-access journal:
- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) – Check if the journal is indexed here. DOAJ only includes journals that meet strict evaluation criteria and adhere to the Principles of Transparency and Best Practices in Scholarly Publishing, a collaborative standard from COPE, DOAJ, OASPA, and the World Association of Medical Editors. Inclusion in DOAJ is a strong indicator of credibility.
- Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) – Membership in OASPA signals adherence to high-quality open-access publishing standards. Journals must undergo rigorous review and maintain these standards to remain members.
- Think. Check. Submit. – Use this checklist to evaluate whether a journal follows established publishing guidelines. A thorough assessment of multiple indicators will help determine if a journal is suitable for your research.
⚠️ Note: No single criterion guarantees credibility. Consider all available information collectively before making a decision.
Ask the following questions when evaluating an open-access journal:
- Are you or your colleagues familiar with the journal?
- Are the journal’s aims and scope clearly defined?
- Does the journal charge fees, and are these transparently listed?
- Does the journal have an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)?
- Do articles have DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers)?
- Is the journal listed in DOAJ?
- Is the publisher a member of COPE or OASPA, or does the journal follow COPE guidelines?
- Is the journal affiliated with a reputable organization or academic institution?
- Does the journal follow a peer review process, and is the type of review specified?
- Are editorial board members listed with their affiliations?
- Is the website regularly updated?
- Are copyright policies clearly stated?
- Is the publisher’s contact information provided?
- Is the journal’s primary audience researchers and practitioners?
- Are policies for handling conflicts of interest transparent?
Be cautious of journals with the following characteristics:
- No contact information listed for the publisher.
- Vague or missing aims and scope.
- No description of the peer review process.
- Repetition of author names across articles.
- Missing copyright and author rights information.
- Difficulty locating the journal’s website.
- Absence from recognized directories or associations such as DOAJ, COPE, or OASPA.
Being vigilant about these warning signs helps protect the quality and credibility of your research while supporting a trustworthy scholarly publishing ecosystem.
