SOURCE: Rele, Shilpa; Kennedy, Marie; and Blas, Nataly, "Journal Evaluation Tool" (2017). LMU Librarian
Publications & Presentations. 40.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/librarian_pubs/40

How to use the journal evaluation tool
The journal evaluation tool includes two components, the rubric and the scoring sheet:
Step 1: Follow the criteria listed on the rubric. The criteria prompts you to look to the journal and
publisher web sites to determine if there are markers of credibility or any red flags.
Step 2: Look at the Rationale column on the scoring sheet to gauge the importance of each criterion.
Step 3: Categorize each criteria on the rubric into one of three categories: good (receiving a score of 3),
fair (a score of 2), or poor (a score of 1).
Step 4: Mark the score for each criterion on the scoring sheet.
Step 5: Determine the final score after you have completed the rubric.
Step 6: Use the Guide to Interpretation at the bottom of the scoring sheet to determine if the total score
suggests that the journal is likely a good, fair, or poor choice for publication.

Understanding Impact Factor and Other Bibliometrics from the University Library's Scholarly Commons.

UIC also has an excellent page that explains various measures of journal impact.

Predatory publishers take advantage of scholars for monetary gain without regard for quality or integrity. They make false claims and do not adhere to ethical business practices.