Integrity is a verification workflow, not a badge.
Do not decide from a journal logo, claimed metric, email invitation or isolated indexing screenshot. Verify identity, indexing, DOI provenance, publication status, editorial conduct, fee transparency and publication history at independent sources. Document what was checked, when it was checked and what remains uncertain.
1. IdentifyISSN, publisher, domain and title history
2. VerifyIndexing, DOI provenance and update records
3. AssessPeer review, fees, policies and conduct
4. RecordEvidence, date, limitation and decision
Flagship reference entries
How do I verify a DOI record?Resolve the identifier and compare registered metadata with the citation.How do I verify indexing status?Use exact identity, official source records and coverage dates.Has this work been corrected or retracted?Check publisher notices, Crossmark and DOI metadata.How do I assess the journal more broadly?Use the complete journal-assessment guide.
Institutional controls that reduce risk
- Require source-linked journal verification before APC approval.
- Separate journal selection from publication guarantees and vendor incentives.
- Maintain authorship, contribution and AI-use disclosures.
- Use correction and retraction procedures that protect transparency rather than reputation management.
- Audit publication lists using reproducible evidence, not blacklists alone.