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Predatory Journals: Predatory Journals

In this guide you will find vaulable information and resources that will help you identify predatory journals.

 

What are Predatory Journals?

There is no standard definition of “predatory journal,” a term first used by librarian Jeffrey Beal to describe what he called “counterfeit journals.”

"Predatory journals and publishers are entities that prioritize self-interest at the expense of scholarship and are characterized by false or misleading information, deviation from best editorial and publications practices, a lack of transparency, and/or the use of aggressive and indiscriminate solicitation practices."

Grudniewicz, A., Moher, D., Cobey, K. D., Bryson, G. L., Cukier, S., Allen, K., ... & Ciro, J. B. (2019). Predatory journals: No definition, no defence. Nature (576)7786. pp. 210-212.

Predatory publishers take advantage of the open-access publishing model for financial gain. These publishers actively seek out faculty and researchers, targeting those who need to publish their work to fulfill promotion, tenure, or funding requirements. Their goal is to exploit these authors by charging them while failing to provide the peer-review process for their publications.

 

What happens when you publish in a predatory journal?

  1. Risk for Credibility: Predatory journals often lack a peer review process. This may jeopardize the credibility and reliability of your work and lead to dismissal from other researchers.
  2. Difficult to Find: Predatory journals are rarely indexed in popular databases like Scopus and Web of Science, which can make your research difficult to find.
  3. Financial Risk: Hidden fees and lack of return on investment.
  4. Manipulation or misuse of your work is also possible if you have published in a predatory journal. Your work might also disappear if the journal’s website is taken down.
  5. Risk for your Reputation: Publishing in a predatory journal can harm your reputation and have a negative effect on your career advancement.

 

If you find out that you’ve submitted your work to a predatory journal, consider retracting your paper and seeking institutional support.

Source: Enago Academy

Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)  -  a cross-industry initiative that aims to “move the culture of publishing towards one where ethical practices become the norm, part of the publishing culture.” The organization recently consolidated its code of conduct and best practice guidelines for editors and code of conduct for journal publishers into a single, 10-point “core practices” document. It  includes cases with advice, guidance for day-to-day practice, education modules and events on topical issues, to support journals and publishers fulfill their policies.