What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how journals function as systems in scholarly publishing.

January 14, 2026Open Access

Journals as Systems: Rethinking How Scholarly Publishing Works

Key Points

The aim is to explore how journals function as systems in scholarly publishing.
Discussion of journal characteristics and operations.
Analysis of the implications for scholarly integrity.
Introduction of the Journal Systems Framework as a guiding concept.
Identified the limitations of labeling journals as merely predatory or legitimate.
Proposed a system-based perspective to enhance conversations about journal integrity.
Emphasized the importance of understanding diverse journal functions in scholarly communication.

Abstract

Leslie H. Nicoll discusses the complexities of scholarly journal publishing, emphasizing the need to view journals as systems rather than mere labels like “predatory” or “legitimate.” This perspective fosters more meaningful conversations about journal operations and integrity, ultimately promoting a clearer understanding of their diverse functions within scholarly communication. The upcoming Journal Systems Framework will facilitate this approach.

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Leslie H. Nicoll

IDEXX Laboratories (United States)

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Journals as Systems: Rethinking How Scholarly Publishing Works

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Abstract

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