ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the origins and primary characteristics of scholarly journals that are deemed predatory. It describes controversies in the discussion of predatory publishing, including the use of the term itself, its criteria, application of the criteria, and its consequences. The chapter introduces major journal blacklists, particularly Beall’s criteria and blacklists, and journal whitelists, as well as their role in the identification of predatory publishing. It also provides tips for authors to avoid predatory publications, not only for naïve authors and readers, but also for anyone who wants to learn about the overall practice of predatory journals.
