Indexing

Indexing involves ensuring that information about your journal and its articles is accessible in comprehensive databases. This enhances the chances of introducing the journal to new audiences, expanding its reach. In the following sections, we will highlight several databases that could be pertinent for indexing the FRITT journal. 

 

Google Scholar 

FRITT journals are seamlessly integrated into Google Scholar through a process known as "crawling," wherein the websites are systematically scanned. This indexing may not occur instantly, and there might be a delay before the articles become visible in the database. If you observe that Google Scholar is not actively indexing the journal, a checklist of potential issues vto investigate is available on PKP's dedicated Google Scholar Indexing page. 

 

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) 

DOAJ stands as the largest repository of open-access journals. To secure indexing for your journal, adherence to a defined set of criteria found in DOAJ's Guide to applying is necessary. These prerequisites encompass publishing a minimum of 5 articles annually, maintaining open access without any embargo, possessing an ISSN, and having a website with specific, requisite information. 

The utilization of Open Journal Systems (the platform FRITT operates on) is seamlessly aligned with DOAJ requirements. Resources pertaining to the indexing of OJS journals in DOAJ is available, including the comprehensive DOAJ Application Guide for OJS Journals.  

 

Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers 

Every new FRITT journal is expected to fulfill the criteria for Level 1 in the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers. These criteria encompass essential elements such as possessing an ISSN, maintaining a scholarly editorial board predominantly comprised of researchers, implementing procedures for external peer review, and ensuring that authorship does not exceed 2/3 from the same institution. For an in-depth understanding of these criteria, detailed information is available on the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers website. To initiate the evaluation process for inclusion, a formal proposal must be submitted to the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers.  

 

Scopus 

Scopus is a database for journals and related publications in health sciences, physics, social sciences, and life sciences, stands among the largest and most extensively utilized indexes. Owned by Elsevier, Scopus maintains specific criteria for journal inclusion: 

  • Peer Review and Process Transparency: A robust peer-review process with an openly available description. 
  • Regular Publishing and ISSN: Consistent publication practices and possession of an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). 
  • Relevance and Readability for an International Audience: Content must be pertinent and accessible to a global readership, with abstracts and titles presented in English. 
  • Publication Ethics and "Malpractice Policy": Open availability of information regarding publication ethics and a clear "malpractice policy." 

Should journals meet these requirements, they become eligible for consideration by Scopus’ Content Selection and Advisory Board. This board conducts evaluations across five key areas:  

  • Journal Policy 
  • Content 
  • Journal Standing 
  • Publishing regularity 
  • Online availability.  

For detailed insights into the assessment process within these five areas, additional information can be found on Scopus' official website. 

 

European Reference Index for the Humanities and the Social Sciences (ERIH PLUS) 

ERIH PLUS stands as a specialized database for journals in the social sciences and humanities, centering its focus on Europe. The fundamental requirements for journals seeking inclusion encompass: 

  • Description of the Peer-Review Process: A clear and comprehensive description of the peer-review process. 
  • Listing of Editorial Board with Affiliations: The editorial board should be presented with their respective affiliations. 
  • ISSN: Possession of an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). 
  • Abstracts in English: Articles must include abstracts in the English language. 
  • Information on Authors' Affiliations: Clear information about the affiliations of the authors. 
  • Diversity in Authorship: Ensuring that no more than 2/3 of authors published in the journal belong to the same institution. 

In addition to these fundamental criteria, ERIH PLUS evaluates journals based on broader considerations. These include assessing whether the journals are indexed in other databases, their relevance to European researchers, the use of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), their open-access status, the existence of publishing ethics guidelines, a minimum of two years of historical content, and the definition of their target audience. 

For consideration in ERIH PLUS, a journal must be nominated. Importantly, nominations must not originate from the publisher, editorial board, or other entities associated with the journal. Instead, researchers, research advisors, librarians, or similar individuals are encouraged to make nominations. Further details about ERIH PLUS's evaluation criteria are available on ERIH PLUS’ official website. 

 

For additional insights into indexing, OJS provides valuable information on its information pages: