A Simple Method for Producing Core Scientific and Technical Journal Title Lists

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a simple method for constructing core journal title lists in scientific and technical (ST) disciplines. This method is the invention of Bensman and is based on the theoretical foundation outlined in Bensman and Wilder (1998). The method requires the creation of a new measure of value called the Estimated Annual Citation Rate (EACR), which is derived from the Journal Citation Reports’ total citation variable. EACR allows researchers to compare the relative value of ST journals, and because it is an annual estimate of citations, it can be compared directly to subscription price to produce a measure of cost-effectiveness. The method is described along with an illustrative exercise using journals in physics and chemistry, and the value and cost results are presented.