LibGuides: Evaluating Journals Before You Publish: Evaluating Publishers

Web Search for the Publisher

Is the publisher within the top 5 entries on the first page of search results? Are there any scam alert postings?
Is the publisher a 501(c)(3) organization?
- A tax-exempt organization will appear in IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (formerly Select Check) or a State Charitable Organizations list.
- Federal Tax Exempt is preferable.
Does the publisher organize or exhibit at conferences?
Is the publisher a scholarly organization?
- Wikipedia category: Academic journals associated with learned and professional societies
Is the publisher a member of any publishing organizations, such as:
- COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)
- OASPA (Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association)?

Can you easily identify information about the publisher?
- Mission
- Contact information (try calling the phone number)
- Search the organization or company using one of the UMSL databases recommended in our Business guides (particularly the Company & Industry Information guide)
Does the publisher’s street address map to a residence, mailbox store, or strip mall?
Does the publisher have enough resources to provide long-term support for the journal?
- Look for the publisher’s financial information.
Does the publisher provide information on how content will be preserved if the publication ceases?
- Does the journal participate in LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) or CLOCKSS (Controlled LOCKSS)?
  - Check the lists of participating journals and publishers.