Tool for identify and analyze predatory journals in biomedical sciences

Abstract

Objective: Describe a tool developed by libraries to identify predatory journals in the biomedical field. Method: Potentially predatory journals in biomedicine, identified from blacklists and bibliographies, are included. Each journal is analysed for its inclusion in white lists, its membership of publishers’ associations, and other data useful for the study. Results: Fewer journals are found in the whitelists and more in the directories. The criterion most fulfilled is membership of publishers’ associations. Discussion: A weighting and a different level of vigilance for journals is proposed. The value of the predatory label when sources are not updated is discussed. Conclusions: Tool performs as a directory of suspect journals in biomedicine and as a data source for the analysis of these journals. Its value depends on its up-to-dateness.