Fact Check: Is IJSR indexed in PubMed?

Is IJSR Indexed in PubMed?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether the International Journal of Scientific Research (IJSR) is indexed in PubMed. This assertion has been circulated in various forums and publications, leading to confusion among researchers and academics regarding the journal's credibility and indexing status.

What We Know

1. PubMed Indexing: PubMed is a free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. Journals indexed in PubMed are typically required to meet certain standards of quality and peer review 15.

2. IJSR's Claims: The IJSR website and various other sources claim that the journal is indexed in PubMed and other databases like Google Scholar and Index Medicus 3610. However, these claims are not uniformly supported by independent verification.

3. Independent Verification: A search on the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) catalog, which manages the PubMed database, can confirm whether a journal is indexed. According to the NLM, journals that are currently indexed will show specific status indicators 15.

4. Conflicting Information: Some sources assert that IJSR is not indexed in PubMed, suggesting that the journal may misrepresent its indexing status. For example, a source indicates that only papers authored by researchers with NIH grants are indexed in PubMed, not the journal itself 7. Additionally, another source explicitly states that IJSR is not indexed in major databases like Scopus or PubMed 9.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources discussing IJSR's indexing status varies significantly:

• Official Sources: The NLM and PubMed Central (PMC) are authoritative sources for journal indexing information. They provide a systematic way to check the status of journals and are considered highly credible 12.

• Journal's Own Claims: The IJSR website and affiliated sources claim indexing in PubMed without providing direct evidence or links to the NLM catalog. While they assert that they are indexed in various databases, these claims should be approached with caution, especially since they may have a vested interest in portraying the journal positively 3410.

• Critiques and Concerns: Some critiques highlight that the journal may be misleading about its indexing status. For instance, claims about being indexed in PubMed could be based on the inclusion of individual articles rather than the journal as a whole, which is a common point of confusion 67. Additionally, the journal's credibility has been questioned, with some labeling it as a potential "predatory journal" due to its aggressive marketing and lack of transparency regarding indexing 59.

• Need for Further Information: To clarify the indexing status of IJSR, it would be beneficial to have access to the NLM catalog directly or to obtain a clear statement from PubMed regarding the journal's current indexing status. Furthermore, insights into the journal's peer review process and editorial board could provide additional context regarding its credibility.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the International Journal of Scientific Research (IJSR) is indexed in PubMed is false. The evidence indicates that IJSR does not appear in the National Library of Medicine's catalog, which is the authoritative source for confirming journal indexing in PubMed. While the journal itself claims indexing, these assertions lack independent verification and are contradicted by credible sources that explicitly state that IJSR is not indexed in major databases, including PubMed.

It is important to note that the confusion surrounding this claim may stem from the distinction between individual articles being indexed and the journal as a whole being recognized by PubMed. Additionally, the journal's credibility has been questioned, with some sources labeling it as potentially predatory due to its marketing practices and lack of transparency.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. While the current consensus suggests that IJSR is not indexed in PubMed, further investigation or updates from authoritative sources could provide additional clarity. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult reliable sources when assessing the credibility of academic journals.

Sources

1. National Library of Medicine. List of All Journals Cited in PubMed. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/serfile_addedinfo.html
2. PubMed Central (PMC). Check indexing status of a journal. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7491771/
3. International Journal of Scientific Research. World Wide Journals. https://www.worldwidejournals.com/international-journal-of-scientific-research-(IJSR)/
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - IJSR. https://www.ijsr.net/faqs.php
5. ScienceOxygen. Is IJSR journal approved by UGC? https://scienceoxygen.com/is-ijsr-journal-approved-by-ugc/
6. Spainexchange. Is IJSR indexed in PubMed? https://www.spainexchange.com/faq/is-ijsr-indexed-in-pubmed
7. ResearchGate. Can you recommend the International Journal of ... https://www.researchgate.net/post/Can_you_recommend_the_International_Journal_of_Scientific_Research
8. Journalseeker. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). https://journalseeker.researchbib.com/view/issn/2319-7064
9. Scholar9. International Journal of Scientific & Research IJSR. https://scholar9.com/journal/international-journal-of-scientific-research-3174
10. Frequently Asked Questions - IJSR. World Wide Journals. https://www.worldwidejournals.com/international-journal-of-scientific-research-(IJSR)/page/p/frequantly-asked-questions