Open Access and Scholarly Communication

Use journal suggester tools and directories to identify new and relevant journals, including open access journals. If you're uncertain where to publish, databases like Web of Science can help you find journals that frequently publish articles similar to yours. From there, you can refine your search to focus on open access publications.

	Review the journal’s website looking for:​ A clearly stated aims and scope​ An editorial board with recognized experts ​ Clear information about the peer review process​ Transparent information about any publication fees charged​ Current contact info
	Review several issues of the journal​ Check for writing and research quality, relevancy to discipline, and adequate copy editing​
	Check that any impact metrics listed by the journal are recognized and reputable​ E.g., Journal Impact Factor, H-Index, Eigenfactor
	Beware of unsolicited emails calling for submissions​ Treat emails from untrusted sources as spam ​

This is a a derivative of “How to Assess a Journal” by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries is licensed under CC BY 4.0. ​Icons from Icons8. 

If you are trying to decide between a few journal options, Web of Science and Scimago Journal Reports can help you assess each journal's impact and reach.