About the accredited journal lists

How the accredited journals lists are chosen

Journal accreditation processes ensure that Emerald Abstracts databases cover the world's finest periodicals in civil engineering and computer science. Journals are accredited annually by the accreditation boards. The annual review process ensures that new thinking and best practice, together with changes in editorial direction, are reflected.

The quantity of material being published grows exponentially each year. Information overload is a challenge facing every serious researcher and practitioner. Emerald Abstracts provides comprehensive access to the world's best literature in civil engineering, computer science, and computer and communications security. To be comprehensive, Emerald Abstracts is first selective.

Much of the added value users derive from Emerald Abstracts comes from the knowledge that only periodicals of the highest order are included in the database so time will not be wasted searching for and reading inappropriate material. Superficial and superfluous titles are omitted. That said, the decision to include a title within the Emerald Abstracts databases is a positive one – journals are actively selected as follows:

Each year the accreditation boards undertake a total review of coverage. The input of libraries in the fields of civil engineering and computer science are gained. Within 12 months new titles will have emerged, existing journals will have changed editorial direction, and some journals will have ceased publication. Some will no longer make the grade. Others will have improved during the period since the last review. Each accreditation board member takes special responsibility for their area of expertise.

In reaching their decision, accreditation board members review a composite list of the current library holdings of leading centres of excellence around the world. Participating institutions include Harvard University, MIT and Stanford University. In addition, a separate report on customer recommendations and feedback on journal performance is tabled for review. Emerald Abstracts accredited journals lists represent the world's best serials in computing and civil engineering.

To submit your journal for consideration to the board, please send your journal details stating which database you would like to be considered for to William Strange.

About the Accredited Journal Badge

The Emerald Abstracts Accredited Journal Badge is awarded annually to journals selected for inclusion on the accredited journal lists. For researchers and practitioners, the Emerald Abstracts Accredited Journal Badge represents a seal of quality, indicating that a periodical is among the best in the world.

Accredited publishers, in agreement with Emerald Abstracts, are permitted to use this badge on their journal homepages, within their journals and on promotional literature. However, with this permission are responsibilities – the Emerald Abstracts Accredited Journal Badge must not be used on non-accredited journals. Where accredited journals are de-listed, then use of the Emerald Abstracts Journal Badge must immediately cease, being removed from websites and hard copy materials. Emerald Abstracts polices the use of this badge to ensure that this condition is adhered to.

In order to be eligible for the Emerald Abstracts Accredited Journal Badge a periodical must be selected by the appropriate accreditation board whose decision is final.