Month: August 2023

Did you know that our faculty librarians offer assistance in choosing the best avenues for publishing your research? They can assist you with the following:

A library guide on where to publish your research

It gives you an overview of all the important aspects of publishing and finding a suitable journal to publish your research. Visit the library guide here.

Journal metrics in databases such as Scopus and Web of Science

With the use of journal metrics (see this page on library guide) you will be able to decide which journal to publish. These metrics include the Impact Factor, CiteScore, SNIP, and many more. It is also helpful to see in which percentile the journal falls, and then also analyse the subject fields and get suggestions for other journal titles in which you may publish.

Publish in accredited journals

Consult the Division for Research Development’s webpage for information on which journals are accredited by the DHET to qualify for subsidy. Librarians will also be able to assist you with whether a specific journal is accredited or not.

Guidance on how to avoid predatory publishers

Librarians are also able to assist you with determining whether a journal/publisher is predatory. This tab in the Library guide will give you some guidance on the topic, but you are also most welcome to contact your faculty librarian for assistance.

Getting to know all the Open Access avenues and discounts that exist

Your research will be widely visible and accessible if you publish with Open Access avenues. See more information here and see the library guide which describes all the discounts available by means of transformative agreements for Open Access publishing here.

A workshop on where to publish will be presented early October

The workshop, Making important decisions about publishing your research, will be presented again early October. Please make sure to book your space here!

Enquiries: Your faculty librarian or Marié Roux

Are you someone who has been mulling over any of the following questions:

1. How can I go about uploading my research data to an Openly Access repository so that I can satisfy my academic publisher’s requirements?
2. How can I provide reviewers with access to my research data as part of the peer-review process?
3. How can I obtain a Digital Object Identifier for my research data so that I can satisfy my academic publisher’s demands?
4. How can I ensure that my research data are openly accessible after I graduate from Stellenbosch University?
5. How can I make previously published research data more findable?

Well, if that is the case you need to look no further than SUNScholarData, Stellenbosch University’s very own institutional research data repository. SUNScholarData is used for the long-term archival storage and publication of research data produced or collected in relation to research conducted under the auspices of Stellenbosch University. The research data published on the repository are openly accessible. The Library and Information Service library guide on SUNScholardata provides a wealth of information relating to the use of the repository.

If you are interested in finding a solution to your problem click here in order to make use of SUNScholarData. Should you require more information about SUNScholarData click here to access the SUNScholarData Library Guide or contact the Research Data Services Division at the following e-mail address: rdm@sun.ac.za.

Author: Samuel Simango

You are invited to attend the upcoming Elsevier Author Workshop to be held on the 4th of September and repeated on the 5th. The workshops will be held in the Library’s auditorium. The first session on each day will be from 11h00AM to 13h00PM, followed by a practical session at 14h00 to 16h00. The workshops will be in person only, however, we will record them and make it available upon request. Below is more information on what will be covered:

Efficiencies in the Research Process

• Step 1: Learn how to create an effective Boolean search string that will give you more relevant search results related to your topic of interest
• Step 2: Evaluating topics and documents. Learn how well cited a topic is, identifying trending keywords for searching optimization and increased visibility of your article, evaluating the performance of a document
• Step 3: Creating reading lists of relevant literature, finding authors and identifying potential collaborators or mentors
• Step 4: Creating alerts to stay updated on your topic
• Step 5: Qualifying characteristics of trustworthy literature

Journal Selection and Author Profiles

• Step 1: Creating a candidate Journal list
• Step 2: Understanding Journal Metrics, Editorial Board, Publishing options (Open Access/Subscription)
• Step 3: Evaluating aims and scope
• Step 4: Predatory Journals
• Step 5: Finding Authors and updating your own Author Profile

Tips for Journal Article Publication

• Step 1: General dos and don’ts
• Step 2: APCs, Publishing options (Open Access/Subscription)
• Step 3: Visibility, search engine discoverable and viewership
• Step 4: Structuring an article
• Step 5: Peer review and becoming a peer reviewer

To register, click on the appropriate link:

• Monday, 4 September, 11h00 to 13h00
• Monday, 4 September, 14h00 to 16h00
• Tuesday, 5 September, 11h00 to 13h00
• Tuesday, 5 September, 14h00 to 16h00

We look forward to seeing you there!