Beyond Core Journal Lists: Identifying the Best Journals for Your Collection

Drilling deeper into the core: an analysis of journal evaluation methodologies used to create the “Basic List of Veterinary Medical Serials,” third edition

“…Some of the problems associated with the impact factor calculation include time lag, journal self-citations, bias toward English-language journals, types of articles published (i.e., the effect that review articles have on increasing a journal's score), variations based on research field, and journal history and format [11,12]. Studies have also noted drawbacks with the counted citations, for example, ''citations are not always an indicator of quality but may be cited to point out inaccuracies or errors in the research'' or ''the extent to which the author actually used the cited document'' [11,12]. Because impact factors are calculated each year, one library scholar advises ''to review a journal's ranking for the last several years when reaching journal collection management decisions'' [11].…”

The JECS Core Journal Collection

“…It is best described as a sampling of journal references gathered from a limited number of the early years in the life of the Journal of Early Christian Studies (JECS) to determine a core group of journals cited in its published papers. Also, for context, it is the first known such investigation into this idea in any religious studies journal (Liner 2002;Liu 2007;Pieters and Baumgartner 2002;McAphee, Vucovich, and Lorbeer 2008;and Weissinger 2010 explored other disciplines). Core title lists, such as the one to be established in this study, provide guidance on journal selection and retention in all libraries and especially in smaller specializedcollection libraries, such as seminary libraries (McAphee 2008 andNisonger 2007).…”

“…Also, for context, it is the first known such investigation into this idea in any religious studies journal (Liner 2002;Liu 2007;Pieters and Baumgartner 2002;McAphee, Vucovich, and Lorbeer 2008;and Weissinger 2010 explored other disciplines). Core title lists, such as the one to be established in this study, provide guidance on journal selection and retention in all libraries and especially in smaller specializedcollection libraries, such as seminary libraries (McAphee 2008 andNisonger 2007). A core list of journals should likewise reflect something about the interrelatedness of journals displayed in the list.…”