Web of Science — one of the most authoritative scientometric databases, often associated with prestigious publications and strict requirements. However, there are many myths surrounding it that mislead scientists. Is it really more difficult to get into WoS than Scopus? Are all the journals in this database of high quality? And does long-term review mean high quality articles?
In this article, we will analyze the TOP 5 popular myths about the Web of Science and find out which of them are true and which are not.
Myth-1
Myth: Getting into Web of Science is much more difficult than into Scopus.
Reality: In fact, getting into ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) is easier than Scopus, as the selection criteria in ESCI are less strict. Scopus is more focused on the citation rate of the journal, while WoS initially evaluates the regularity of issues, website, editorial board composition, and geography of authors. However, checking journals in Web of Science takes much longer than in Scopus.
Myth-2
Myth: Усі журнали в Web of Science — це престижні видання.
Reality: There are several indexes in the Web of Science, and not all of them are equally prestigious. The most valuable are SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) and SSCI (Social Sciences Citation Index), which include journals with an impact factor. But there is also ESCI, where there may be no impact factor and the selection criteria are less strict.
Myth-3
Myth: Web of Science independently checks the quality of each article.
Reality: Web of Science rates journals, not individual articles. The selection of articles is the responsibility of journals and their editorial boards. WoS may review journals, but not each article individually.
Want to learn more about the reliability of publications in Web of Science compared to Scopus?
Join the webinar «Why publications in Web of Science are less risky than in Scopus", which will take place February 19!
Myth-4
Myth: Доступ до Web of Science можна отримати безкоштовно через передплату університету і без проблем користуватися базою.
Reality: Access is often limited to the university's local network or requires the use of a VPN. In addition, not all universities have full access to all WoS databases - some subscribe only to certain collections.
Myth-5
Myth: Reviewing in Web of Science journals takes 6–12 months.
Reality: Review deadlines in Web of Science journals vary — it all depends on the specific publication. In some journals, review takes 1–3 months, in others it can last up to a year or even more. Duration does not always mean quality. There are journals with fast but strict review, and there are those where the long process is associated with delays in the editorial work.
Conclusions:
Web of Science — an important scientometric database that plays a key role in scientific communication and the evaluation of research activities. However, like any other database, it has its own characteristics that are not always correctly understood by authors and scientists.
Debunked myths show that getting into WoS is not always more difficult than into Scopus, especially at the ESCI level. Not all journals in Web of Science are equally prestigious, as the database includes different indexes. Web of Science evaluates journals, not individual articles, so the quality of publications depends on the editorial policy of the publication. Access to WoS is often limited and depends on the university's subscription. The length of review is not a determining indicator of quality - there are publications with fast and at the same time strict review.
To learn more about the risks and benefits of publishing in Web of Science and Scopus, join the webinar "Why publications in Web of Science are less risky than in Scopus» February 19! This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and expand your knowledge about scientific publications.
