In addition to using external tools, you should also carefully examine a journal’s formal information.

Indexing

Reputable journals are often indexed in well‑established databases, such as:

  • Web of Science
  • Scopus
  • PubMed (for medical journals)

Did you know?

The staff at your university library can provide valuable guidance on subject‑specific databases and indexes.

Be careful

Always verify indexing claims directly in the respective database, not only on the journal’s website, as the information provided there may be misleading or falsified.

Imprint / Legal Notice

You should also check the journal’s imprint (legal notice) as provided on its website.

According to EU requirements, a complete imprint should include:

  • Name of the editor or publisher
  • Full postal address
  • Person legally responsible
  • Contact details
  • Legal form of the organization (if applicable)

Warning

Missing or very vague imprint information is a strong indicator of an unreliable or questionable journal. Keep in mind, however, that the strict EU regulations do not apply in all countries.

Last modified: Thursday, 23 April 2026, 10:11 AM