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Choosing & Evaluating Journals, Publishers & Conferences: External Requirements

This guide provides information on choosing and evaluating journals for possible publication.

External Requirements

Department Criteria

The most important consideration when selecting a publication venue are the external requirements, especially the Department Criteria. Article 20.4 b (1) of the 2017 - 2021 Agreement of University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 (which has been extended to 2017) states:

"Each department shall have a statement of Department Criteria, describing the standards, materials, methods, and procedures to be used in evaluating performance of employees eligible for retention, tenure, and promotion."

Faculty are evaluated based on their:

  • Teaching & Primary Duties
  • Scholarly & Professional Activities - research, publications, presentations, grants and other creative activity.
  • Service - service to the University, their profession and other groups.

Each Department, School and College has developed criteria for evaluation in all areas of their jobs. Ask your Department Chair or Department Personnel Committee for a copy of your Department's critera. A collection of all of the WIU Department Criteria is also available in Malpass Library Reference (Call number LD2443 .A134).

Long Term Goals

The other external requirement  to consider are your personal long term goals. If you would like to eventually work at a research university, you might wish to make your publishing choices based on the work being done by people at those types of institutions.