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Fake News and Information Literacy

This LibGuide will give you valuable insight in telling fact from fiction online, plus a chance to exercise your newfound skills.

Tips

Predatory Journals and Publishers have been increasing at an alarming rate. But while they have become more known about, they are still taking advantage of researchers that are looking to publish.

Before you choose a journal to publish be sure you can recognize the warning signs of Predatory Journals.

  • Remember that not all low quality journals are open access journals.
  • Ask a librarian to investigate and provide details about the journal, such as impact factor.
  • Look up the journal in Ulrich's serial directory to find information about the journal's content, publishing frequency, and indexing status.
  • View the journal's web page to find out about its editorial board and reviewing process. Read sample articles to assess quality.
  • Cross check the journal web page with information about the journal in the ISSN portal.
  • Visit the International Academy of Nursing Editors (INANE) website to view a database of vetted nursing journals.

  • Check Beall's List (archived) of potential predatory journals, or see if the journal or publisher is listed in the DOAJ or DOAB.

Adapted from: Miller, E., & DeBerg, J. (2017). The Perils of Predatory Publishing: Views and Advice from an Editor and a Health Sciences Librarian. Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, 18(6), 351–352. https://doi-org.uc.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2017.10.003