Citation Rate Challenges for a Small Journal Indexed in Scopus and WoS-Case Study from Central Europe (Croatia), Editorial View

The term small journal has been used for a journal published as a single journal or one of a few serials, mostly by an academic publisher. This case study showed the challenges that a journal must override to be indexed in Scopus and WoS, especially if Q1 /Q2 are targeted. The number of submissions, and especially of the published papers, are not the most critical variables for an increase of journal citations. The most important is the further activity of researchers included in the paper's authorship, their future publication rate and continuation of similar research, which implies the citations of previous works belonging to the same authors and/or research groups. The larger the number of papers per issue, the increased probability of such an event, but there is no linear correlation. Moreover, the editorial work, especially during the initial editorial screening of received submissions, makes the consequent reviewer's work easier, faster, and of higher quality, which certainly increases the quality of publications and their further citation life. The cited half-life vs. cited half-life ratio in small journals would need to be less than one (here 0.25), making the published papers fast cited, with first citations coming early enough that they could fit in a three-year window, and be countable for the calculation of indexing measures like Citescore or the Impact Factor.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the challenges that journals face in being indexed in Scopus and WoS, especially if they aim to achieve a Q1/Q2 ranking. The number of submissions and published papers is not the most critical factor in increasing journal citations; instead, the subsequent activity of authors and the continuation of similar research play a significant role. Additionally, the editorial work is crucial in improving the quality and citation life of publications.