IlmiyChek
Check a scientific journal and its website
A journal name can be copied and a deceptive domain can differ by one character. IlmiyChek compares the ISSN, publisher, issue archive, domain and independent catalogue records instead of relying on visual design.
Features of a genuine journal
The full title, ISSN, publisher, publication schedule and archive should agree. Article DOIs should resolve to the same journal or its legitimate publisher. A sudden domain change, missing back issues or inconsistent contact details merit closer examination.
Checking indexing claims
For Scopus, consult the source record and coverage years; for Web of Science, the Master Journal List and named collection; for open-access journals, the DOAJ record. A database logo displayed by the journal is not independent evidence.
Clone sites and historical pages
A lookalike domain, recent site history and copied pages may accompany a cloned journal site. Archived snapshots help reconstruct changes but do not prove ownership by themselves; publisher and directory records provide the stronger basis.
Verification sources
- NLM CatalogJournal title and ISSN records from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Directory of Open Access JournalsDirectory and article records for eligible open-access journals.
- Scopus SourcesElsevier interface for checking source coverage and coverage years.
- Web of Science Master Journal ListClarivate journal list and edition/coverage information.
- Internet Archive — Wayback MachineArchived snapshots that may help document changes to a journal website.