Qualitative and quantitative study of free English e-journals for disciplines in Agriculture, Engineering sciences and Art & Architecture

Subject Areas : Journal of Information Systems and Services

Farshid Danesh ¹ (Young researchers and elite club, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Alireza Isfandyari Moghaddam ² (Assistant Professor of Knowledge and Information Science, Hamadan Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Abolfazl Taheri ³ (MA Student of Knowledge and Information Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad)
Marzieh Saeedizadeh ⁴ (MA Student of Knowledge and Information Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad)

Received: 2013-07-27 Accepted : 2013-11-23 Published : 2014-03-19

Keywords: Electronic journals, backlinks (in-links), Revised web impact factor, webometrics, Agriculture, Engineering sciences, Art &amp, Architecture, Open Access,

Abstract :

Purpose: this study aims to determine the most valid free e-journals in English for disciplines in Agriculture, Engineering sciences and Art & Architecture in 2013. Methodology: After determination of free e-journals for disciplines in Agriculture, Engineering sciences and Art & Architecture in English  from DOAJ, by using a checklist and a qualitative approach all this  1141 journals were evaluated. Then, internet address of selected 819 journals was Survey in order to determine backlinks (in-links) by "Majestic SEO". Also, the revised web impact factor was calculated. Findings: The findings of this study showed that 71.77 percent of English e-journals are qualified. Backlinks analysis indicates that the core journal of Agriculture is "Nutrition Journal". Core journal in engineering sciences include: "The International Arab Journal of Information Technology"; core journals in Art & Architecture include: "International Journal of Design". Base on revised web impact factor, "EFSA Journal "is top journal in Agriculture; "International Journal of Communications, Network and System Sciences" is top journal in in Engineering; "The Irish Journal of Gothic and Horror Studies" is the best journal in Art & Architecture. Also, the results showed that there is positive correlation between revised web impact factor and in-links. Results: The results of this research can assist researchers and research administrators in universities in order to identify the most valid free e-journals in English for disciplines in Agriculture, Engineering sciences and Art & Architecture. Also, libraries through managing free e-journal, can save user’s time and cost.

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