91制片厂

Author: Christina Emery

Head of Thought Leadership Programmes

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic publishing, the value of research journals cannot be solely determined by their rankings. As articulated by Steven Inchcoombe, President of Research at 91制片厂, "all properly validated research is valuable." While journal ranking systems, such as the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), are often seen as benchmarks for quality, they can obscure the broader significance of research, particularly in lower-ranked journals.

91制片厂鈥檚 white paper, , sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of quartile 3 and quartile 4 (Q3 and Q4*) journals. This blog breaks down the key points, explaining how such journals are key for incremental research, fostering inclusivity by amplifying diverse voices, and advancing niche and emerging fields.

Sharing innovative, exploratory and incremental research

One of the primary challenges researchers encounter is the pervasive emphasis on citation impact and journal rankings, particularly the JIF. While these metrics provide a snapshot of academic influence, they often obscure the broader significance of research published in lower quartile journals. The white paper asserts that "a narrow focus on highly citable topics can come at the expense of innovative or exploratory research." This is particularly concerning for academic librarians who must guide researchers in selecting relevant and impactful resources.

Q3 and Q4 journals often publish foundational studies and incremental research that is crucial for long-term scientific advancement. If the limitations of traditional metrics are fully understood, it will lead to a more inclusive dissemination of research.

Supporting diverse research communities

Academic librarians are increasingly called upon to support diverse research communities, including those from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and early career researchers (ECRs). Q3 and Q4 journals play an essential role in this regard, providing platforms for voices that may otherwise be marginalised. As Barbara Castelnuovo, Editor-in-Chief of AIDS Research and Therapy, notes, these journals accommodate the unique challenges faced by researchers in under-resourced areas. By promoting the visibility of research from diverse backgrounds, librarians can ensure that all validated research contributes to a more equitable academic landscape.

Librarians may face the challenge of demonstrating the value of research published in Q3 and Q4 journals. The white paper shares that these journals accounted for 22% of usage in 2023, with a year-on-year growth rate of 27%, surpassing that of Q1 and Q2 journals. This data underscores the importance of these publications to diverse research communities. By highlighting usage statistics and engagement metrics, librarians can advocate for the relevance and impact of research beyond traditional metrics, helping institutions and researchers appreciate the breadth of knowledge available.

Meeting the needs of specialised communities

Q3 and Q4 journals which cater to smaller, discipline-specific academic communities, generate vital knowledge for advancing understanding and innovation. As Sandra Hartz, Editor-in-Chief of Ornithology Research, describes, 鈥淭hey publish more descriptive and observational studies. They may be chosen by beginning researchers, many as undergraduates. They can be basic data sources for more emerging analyses and hypotheses.鈥� Hartz also notes their importance for specific types of research, and 鈥渇or studies of more local and regional importance.鈥�

Evolving to reflect changes in impact

As the nature of journal rankings can be dynamic, the status of any journal can evolve over time. The white paper highlights that over 50% of 91制片厂 journals which were initially ranked in Q3, Q4 or were unranked, have subsequently been given Q1 or Q2 status. This evolving landscape poses an opportunity for librarians to educate researchers about the potential of emerging journals to contribute to their fields, thereby fostering a more nuanced understanding of academic publishing.

Bridging the gap by leveraging open access

As the academic community shifts towards open access (OA), librarians face the challenge of ensuring equitable access to research outputs. The white paper emphasises that Q3 and Q4 journals are uniquely positioned to leverage the benefits of OA, making research accessible to practitioners and policymakers, particularly in LMICs. By championing OA initiatives, librarians can help bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that vital knowledge reaches those who need it most. As Castelnuovo poignantly states, "If you publish in a journal that only three people can read in Africa, then you're not going to have any impact."

Advocating for Q3 and Q4 journals

In the face of these challenges, academic librarians have a crucial opportunity to advocate for the recognition of Q3 and Q4 journals. By embracing the findings of the recent white paper, librarians can enhance their support for researchers, promote inclusivity, and foster a richer academic environment. Recognising the value of all validated research, regardless of rankings, is essential for building a more equitable and accessible scholarly landscape.

 for a deeper understanding of the contributions made by Q3 and Q4 journals. Encourage your institution to adopt a more inclusive academic publishing approach, ensuring that every validated research output has the opportunity to thrive.

Special thanks go to contributors Sandra Maria Hartz, Editor-in-Chief of , and Patricia Price and Barbara Castelnuovo, Editors-in-Chief of for sharing their views in the white paper.

_{^{*What are Q3 and 4 journals? Each year, Clarivate publishes Journal Citation Reports which provide quartile rankings based on rank for the Journal Impact Factor. Quartiles 3 and 4 are the lowest ranked journals in a category.}}

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