Once you have clarified the journal’s scope and relevance, you should evaluate it more systematically. A number of established tools, directories, and checklists can support you in this process.

DOAJ – Directory of Open Access Journals

The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) is an internationally recognized index of quality-controlled Open Access journals. It is operated by an independent non-profit organization and aims to promote transparency and quality in Open Access publishing.

Check whether the journal you are considering is listed in DOAJ.

keep in mind:

Inclusion in DOAJ is ❌not a guarantee❌ of scientific excellence, but it is a strong indicator of legitimacy. However, consider the following:

1. Some predatory journals falsely claim to be indexed in DOAJ. Here you can find a continuously updated list compiled by the DOAJ team that includes these journals. Always verify listings directly on the official DOAJ website.

2. Indexing in DOAJ typically takes 1–2 years. Therefore, newer journals may not yet be listed despite being legitimate. Not every reputable journal is included - but predatory journals usually are not.

Think.Check.Submit.

Think.Check.Submit. is an international initiative supported by libraries and publishers that helps researchers identify trustworthy journals. Its core component is a structured checklist designed to support informed publishing decisions. Use this list when you have doubts about a journal's reputation. 

Key guiding questions include:
  • Do you recognize the journal or the publisher?
  • Are the editors and editorial board clearly identified?
  • Is the peer-review process transparently described?
  • Are publication fees clearly stated?
  • Is the journal indexed in recognized databases?
When is it particularly useful?
  • When dealing with unfamiliar journals
  • When receiving unsolicited email invitations
  • When considering interdisciplinary journals with a broad scope
  • For early-career researchers with limited publishing experience

The initiative also offers a checklist for evaluating conferences: Think.Check.Attend.

COPE – Committee on Publication Ethics

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) is an international organization dedicated to promoting ethical standards in scholarly publishing. Its members—primarily publishers—commit to clear guidelines regarding peer review, plagiarism, retractions, and corrections.

Important

The absence of a COPE membership does not automatically indicate unethical practices. However, falsely claiming a COPE membership is a clear sign for avoiding that journal. An up-to-date list of COPE members is available on the official website: COPE members

  

Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA)

The Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) is an international organization of reputable Open Access publishers. Its mission is to promote high standards, transparency, and ethical publishing practices in Open Access.

Membership in OASPA requires publishers to undergo a rigorous review process and commit to established principles, including:

  • transparent business models,
  • clear information about APCs,
  • robust peer-review processes, and
  • ethical standards in dealing with authors and readers.

Please note

An OASPA membership does not replace your own assessment of the publisher but it can serve as a valuable additional indicator of credibility. Conversely, a publisher that ist not a member of OASPA is not necessarily unreliable—smaller publishers, university presses, or scholarly societies are often not members.


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