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Critical Thinking About Sources

Evaluating Journals

While you should evaluate each source you use, the journals found in the library's databases have been checked to ensure they present high-quality sources of information.

First make sure you are looking at a journal and not a magazine, trade publication, or other type of periodical. If unsure, here's more information on understanding different types of resources

Things to look for:

  • Functioning Website
  • Peer-Review
  • Scope of the Journal
  • Editor(s) Information
  • Any Institutional Affiliations?
  • Membership Fees and/or Advertising Policy?
  • If Open-Access, are they listed in the DOAJ?

Ulrich's will usually have most of this information listed in some way. 

How predatory academic journals endanger science | Bradley Allf | TEDxNCState

For More Information Visit the Predatory Publishing LibGuide Page

For more information on Databases & Journals