Selecting Journals
When selecting a journal for Open Access publication, researchers should consider the following factors:
Reputation and Impact:
- Choose a journal that is well-respected in your field and has a solid peer-review process. Look for journals indexed in major databases like Scopus or Web of Science.
- Verify that the journal is not a predatory journal. Use resources such as DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and Think. Check. Submit. to evaluate journal credibility.
Scope and Audience:
- Ensure that the journal’s scope aligns with your research focus and that it reaches your intended audience.
- Consider interdisciplinary journals if your research bridges multiple fields.
Open Access Policies:
- Confirm whether the journal offers Gold or Green Open Access options. For Green Open Access, check the length of the embargo period (if any).
- Ensure that the journal allows the deposit of preprints or accepted manuscripts in open-access repositories if opting for Green Open Access.
- Here are some links for the main Archaeology and Human Evolution journals Open Access Policies:
Licensing:
- Open Access journals typically use Creative Commons (CC) licenses. Make sure the license meets your needs for sharing and reusing content. CC-BY (attribution) is the most common license, allowing others to share and adapt the work as long as the original author is credited.
- Other licenses, such as CC-BY-NC (non-commercial), can be used if you want to restrict commercial use.
Publication Speed:
- Some Open Access journals have shorter publication times due to streamlined processes. If rapid dissemination is important, factor in the journal’s average time from submission to publication.