Predatory Academic Journals: Its Emergence and Efforts to Combat It

Abstract

As a result of rapid technological evolution and the rise of the internet, research papers have become more accessible and widespread. However, this development was accompanied by the emergence of a phenomenon that has negatively affected the quality and reputation of the research, researcher, and academic field. Many dubious academic journals, presenting themselves as legitimate ones, have recently surfaced. These dishonest academic journals, which are referred to as predatory academic journals, are driven solely by profit, publishing academic works without ensuring the appropriate quality standards are met. The purpose of this study is to explain the impact of this phenomenon and to spread awareness about it among researchers and academic institutions in the Arab world in general and in Libya in particular. Spreading such awareness helps to considerably improve the quality in research publication, and to encourage scholars to produce their best work in appropriate venues.

In covering and analyzing the phenomenon in question, the study has employed the Descriptive Research and used the Scoping Review method. The results of this study are of significance. The most notable result is that predatory academic journal changes itself and adapts as needed, making it difficult to identify it. When establishing diagnostic criteria to detect it, predatory academic journal responds by reviving and developing in a way that renders it appear legitimate, hence managing to navigate such diagnostic criteria. One of the most important recommendations of this study is to stablish an organization the objectives of which are monitoring illegitimate publishing activities, raising awareness about predatory academic journal, making lists of such journals and constantly updating them and encouraging researchers to publish their work in legitimate journals determined by the aforementioned organization.