Skip to Main Content

Predatory Journals

This guide is a resource for awareness of the detection of potential predatory journals.

Picking Out Predatory Journals

The image is an infographic titled "Picking Out Predatory Journals," focused on identifying trust factors when using journal articles not found through the Library or DOAJ. It consists of six categories arranged in hexagon shapes, each containing an icon and text. From left to right, the categories are: "Errors!" highlighted in pink, with a warning icon; "Peer-Review" in orange with people icons; "Editorial Board" in light green featuring a group icon; "Database" in purple with a database icon; "Industry Standards" in lavender with a checklist icon; and "Payment" in green with a dollar sign icon. Below is a "Disclaimer" suggesting contacting a librarian for clarification. Alt-text: Infographic on identifying predatory journals with categories: Errors, Peer-Review, Editorial Board, Database, Industry Standards, Payment. Transcribed Text: Picking Out Predatory Journals Here are some trust factors to consider if you are using journal articles NOT found through the Library or DOAJ. Peer- Review Does the journal have a clear peer-review process or statement? Does the journal have an AI statement? Editorial Board Can you verify the editorial board? Real people? Database Is the journal in an established proprietary database or DOAJ? Errors! Be on alert for spelling, grammar, oddly worded sentences, & overly complimentary language to prospective authors. Payment Does the journal website ask for payment from authors on the website? Industry Standards Does the journal follow industry standards and have a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or ISSN? Association Is the journal associated with an established professional organization? Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list. If you have doubts about any resource, contact a librarian! It's FREE!