Barriers and Opportunities in the Discoverability and Indexing of Student-Led Academic Journals

Abstract

Introduction: Student-led journals are not commonly included in academic indexes and databases. This study explores the barriers that indexing requirements may present for student journals, as well as editors’ attitudes toward discoverability strategies and opportunities. Methods: An environmental scan of select eight indexes looks at potential barriers to inclusion and at indexing rates among Canadian student-led journals (n = 202). A survey of Canadian student editors (n = 47) and follow-up interviews (n = 7) focus on editors’ attitudes toward discoverability, indexing challenges, and opportunities. Results: Only 15% (n = 30) of Canadian student journals are indexed in at least one of the seven indexes included in this study, and 74% (n = 146) of open-access journals appear in Google Scholar, with Open Journal Systems (OJS) having the highest Google Scholar indexing rate (97%) as a platform. Student editors generally prioritize reaching their audiences via social media, word of mouth, and targeted promotion. For editors who seek indexing, the biggest challenges come from confusing inclusion criteria and processes, lack of knowledge and comfort, and lack of capacity for such projects. Discussion: Most reviewed indexes have some requirements that may be challenging, but not exclusively to student journals. The main challenge comes from editors’ self-perception of not belonging in academic indexes, lack of understanding about the process, and insufficient capacity for discoverability and promotional activities. Conclusion: The lack of discoverability puts student journals at risk of being invisible to readers and potential authors. Although academic indexing may not be a high priority for student editors, regular outreach and support from libraries and faculty advisors could help editors better use various discoverability opportunities.