UPDATED: June 17, 2024. Original Post: September 15, 2017
There are many factors you should consider when identifying the top journals in a particular field. These include:
- the publisher’s reputation
- the peer review process
- current citation metrics
Peer-Reviewed Titles
The peer review process involves independent experts in the same or related field(s) as the author, evaluating the “quality of the scholarship, reliability of findings, relevance to the field, appropriateness for the journal, etc.” (McMaster University, n.d.).
Many databases allow you to limit your search to peer-reviewed journals. For example, when searching CINAHL Ultimate, you can check the Peer Reviewed box under Search Options, then Limit your results, before entering your search terms. Alternatively, after you complete your search, you can refine your results by filtering by Source Types and selecting Academic Journals (A):
Using the Library’s Discover search, you can look for peer-reviewed articles by selecting Show peer reviewed only (B) in your search results:
Journal Metrics
Several metrics are used to measure the importance of journals, including:
SJR, for example, is an open-access metric that ranks titles found in Scopus from 1996-present. Use the Journal Rankings (C) feature to organize results by specific criteria, including:
subject area
subject category
regions/countries
type
year
SJR journal ranking information (score and H-INDEX) can also be found while searching the library’s journal collection.
Hovering your mouse over the SJR score (D) will give more information about the score:
- A higher score is better.
- Q1 signifies that a journal has been ranked in the top 25% of its subject category.
- H-Index is a reflection of the number of an author’s published articles and number of times cited.
Some people question the validity and reliability of journal metrics, in particular, those of Impact Factor (Greenwood, 2007).
Additional Evaluation Tips
The University of Chicago’s Library Guides and Dalhousie University’s “Predatory Publishers: How to determine validity” overview provide questions you may find helpful to consider when evaluating journals, including:
- Is the journal published/sponsored by a professional scholarly society or association (e.g., the American Psychological Association)? An academic press (e.g., Oxford University Press)?
- Are reviewers or editorial board members listed on the journal’s website or within the journal?
- Does the publisher provide contact information?
- Is the number of rejected articles comparable to other reputable journals?
Locating and Accessing Titles
An easy way to find relevant journals in your field is through Library Services’ Discover Search and Collections Search page. To search for journals by title, use the lower search box labelled Nova Scotia Health Library Collections, and select the Journals tab. Your search results will show relevant journals that Library Services subscribes to electronically or owns in print.
Alternatively, you can select the upper search box labelled Discover and search for journals by title or subject. Refine your search results using the filters on the left side of the page. Select Journal (E) under Publication Type. Select Apply (F) to remove results that aren’t journals.
If you’re struggling to find full-text access to a particular journal article you need, access our Document Delivery form to request it. For help with searching, check out Library Services’ tutorials.
For information on any of Library Services’ resources, please reach out to AskLibrary@nshealth.ca.
References
1. Greenwood, D. C. (2007). Reliability of journal impact factor rankings. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 7(48), 48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2206035/
McMaster University (n.d.). Scholarly vs. Popular Sources: Scholarly Peer Reviewed Journals. https://library.mcmaster.ca/research/scholarly-vs-popular-sources#tab-scholarly-peer-reviewed-journals
Laura Mounce
Librarian Educator
Halifax Infirmary, Central Zone
Library Services' Education and Training team provides all staff, physicians and researchers with education and supports to effectively discover and use health information.
Scheduled Online Sessions: July and August
Find It Fast with Library Services
Are you new to the organization or need a refresher on Library Services' website and service offerings? This orientation-style session introduces supports and resources available through Library Services, including subject guides, patient pamphlets, and research access points. You will also learn how to search our collection and library databases for current, informative resources.
Developing Patient Education Pamphlets
Learn how easy-to-read and up-to-date patient education materials can support patient care and safety. You will learn how to:
Register for one or both of these sessions through our Learning Opportunities calendar.
Custom Group Training and Library Consults Available Anytime
Looking for a customized training experience? We have you covered! Our instructors deliver customized education sessions on several topics to support your information needs, at a time that works best for you. Depending on the request, customized group training can be delivered virtually (using Microsoft Teams) or in person.
Tell us what you are looking for by filling out our Custom Group Training form. A Library Services team member will be in touch to plan and schedule your session.
If you’d like more one-on-one support from our team, book an online consultation. Meet with a library and information professional for help with your project, publication, research or other information need. With a variety of dates and times available, find a spot that works best for your schedule.
Stay Tuned for Offerings in the Fall!
We’re back in the fall with an exciting lineup of learning opportunities! Look for our next update leading up to September.
Our online education sessions (via Microsoft Teams) cover topics such as:
We look forward to meeting you in one of our sessions, or in a consultation with a Library Services team member. Be sure to bookmark the Learning Opportunities Calendar. As always, please reach out to AskLibrary@nshealth.ca with questions or for further information about Library Services’ Education and Training opportunities.
Amanda Andrews
Librarian Educator, Education & Training Lead
Eastern Zone - Cape Breton, Guysborough, Antigonish