Have you heard about predatory publishing, but aren’t sure what it is or how to spot a predatory journal? Himmelfarb Library has a predatory publishing guide that can answer your questions!
Predatory journals are characterized by “false or misleading information, deviation from best editorial and publication practices, a lack of transparency, and/or the use of aggressive and indiscriminate solicitation practices” (Grudniewicz et al., 2019). Predatory journals have used the open access publishing model to make profits without providing the same peer-review, archiving, and editorial services that legitimate scholarly open access journals provide.
COVID-19 has necessitated dramatic shifts in the scholarly publishing industry including fast-tracking research through the peer-review process making research available at record speeds. Preprints, research manuscripts disseminated prior to undergoing peer review, have become a normal part of the scholarly publishing landscape. These changes have made it more difficult to distinguish between legitimate scholarly journals and predatory journals. A recent post about predatory journals during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the added dangers predatory journals have posed to the academic community.
Himmelfarb’s predatory publishing guide can help you avoid falling into the predatory publishing trap. Learn how predatory journals operate and review the comprehensive list of red flags that will help you identify these journals. Have you received unsolicited emails from journals you’ve never heard of asking you to submit a manuscript for an upcoming issue? View sample emails from predatory publishers that illustrate tactics used by these publishers.
Learn how to evaluate these journals with the available journal, email, website and conference assessment tools that are available. Practice your evaluation skills with case studies provided. Are you more of a visual learner? Numerous videos on the topic are also available. Many predatory publishers have expanded their business models to include predatory conferences, which are also covered in this guide.
Whether you are familiar with predatory publishing, or are new to the topic, Himmelfarb’s predatory publishing guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of this important topic and learn how to avoid falling victim to this threat. If you have questions about predatory publishing, contact Ruth Bueter (rbueter@gwu.edu).
References:
Grudniewicz, A., Moher, D., Cobey, K. D., Bryson, G. L., Cukier, S., Allen, K., ... & Ciro, J. B. (2019). Predatory journals: no definition, no defence. Science (576)7786. 210-212.
