In March, Clarivate Analytics informed that more than 50 journals that no longer meet the quality criteria of the database were removed from the Web of Science Master Journal List, which means that they lost their Impact Factor.
Clarivate Analytics underlines that “the need for high-quality data from rigorously selected sources is becoming ever more important” in order for research outcomes to have a positive impact on everyday life. For this reason, the journals covered by Web of Science are carefully selected applying transparent criteria and are periodically reviewed under stringent standards. Researchers should be aware that the inclusion of a journal in Web of Science does not guarantee its permanent indexing, since all journals are periodically re-evaluated and may be removed from coverage if they no longer meet Web of Science quality criteria.
Clarivate Analytics used a newly developed AI tool to identify characteristics that raise suspicion of a journal no longer meeting their quality criteria. According to the company, “at the start of the year, more than 500 journals were flagged” and the ongoing investigation has, so far, lead to the exclusion of more than 50 flagged journals.
You can read the original blog post announcing the removal of the journals here.
Vilnius University Library advises researchers to consult the monthly updated Web of Science Master Journal List when selecting a journal for publication.
Should any questions regarding the choice of journal or regarding Web of Science Master Journal List arise, please contact Aida Gališanskienė from the Library's Scientific Information and Data Division:
Phone: +370 5 219 5062
Please note that the Library can only provide information based on the current state of the Web of Science Master Journal List without any guarantee that the selected journal(s) will remain on the list in the future due to the periodical review of the list.
2023-04-19