Scopus is one of the world's leading abstract and citation databases for peer-reviewed literature. To maintain the quality, credibility, and integrity of its indexed content, Scopus continuously monitors journals after they have been accepted for inclusion. A journal's presence in Scopus is therefore not permanent; journals may be discontinued if they no longer meet the standards established by the Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB).
One of the primary reasons for discontinuation is a decline in publication quality. Scopus evaluates whether journals continue to demonstrate rigorous peer-review processes, publish high-quality scholarly content, and maintain academic relevance within their respective disciplines. Journals that exhibit weak editorial practices, insufficient methodological rigor, or a significant deterioration in article quality may be flagged for further review.
Another important criterion is publication ethics. Scopus closely monitors compliance with internationally recognized ethical standards. Journals may face discontinuation if they engage in unethical practices such as inadequate peer review, excessive self-citation, citation manipulation, plagiarism, duplicate publication, or the publication of articles without appropriate academic scrutiny. Such practices undermine the reliability of scholarly communication and can negatively affect the reputation of the database.
Journal performance metrics also play a significant role in the evaluation process. Scopus examines indicators such as citation impact, scholarly influence, and engagement within the academic community. While low citation rates alone do not necessarily lead to discontinuation, consistently poor performance combined with other quality concerns may indicate that a journal is not making a meaningful contribution to its field.
Editorial and publishing standards are equally important. Journals are expected to maintain transparency regarding editorial board membership, peer-review policies, publication schedules, and author guidelines. Irregular publication patterns, inactive editorial management, lack of transparency, or substantial changes in journal scope that reduce academic relevance may trigger a re-evaluation.
Furthermore, Scopus actively monitors journals for signs of predatory publishing behavior. Journals that prioritize revenue generation over academic quality, aggressively solicit manuscripts, or fail to provide legitimate editorial oversight may be removed from the database. Protecting researchers from questionable publishing practices remains a key objective of Scopus quality assurance efforts.
Ultimately, the discontinuation of journal coverage reflects Scopus's commitment to maintaining a trusted and high-quality scholarly database. For researchers, understanding these evaluation criteria is essential when selecting publication outlets. Publishing in journals that demonstrate strong ethical standards, rigorous peer review, and sustained academic impact not only enhances research visibility but also helps ensure the long-term credibility of scholarly work.
