The Challenges Of Indexation Of Asean Journal Of Psychiatry: Now And Future
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| Title | The Challenges Of Indexation Of Asean Journal Of Psychiatry: Now And Future |
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| Abstract | It gives me immense pleasure to share the success of the ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry over the last few years. The journal started its voyage in 1991 and I took over the editorship in 2009. Since then, we have maintained the momentum with regular biannually online publication since 2007. Many ups and downs were experienced in the functioning of the journal. We had to strive hard to invite articles from all parts of the world. An efficient editorial team comprising of eminent researchers had to be chosen. A good website of the journal was necessary for dissipating information about the society and journal and we did not lag behind in this aspect. I took the opportunity to engage suitable webmasters to make the website more appealing and user friendly while ensuring the quality of its academic content. The articles had to be reviewed and proof read properly in order to curtail the mistakes. Once, the quality and readership improved, there was no chance of looking back. We conducted regular meetings and discussions to strategize the plan of action. Once the action was strategized, we embarked on the venture to apply for indexation of the journal. I would say that we really needed guts and courage to apply for indexation because to date, the journal was functioning without a single indexation.We burnt the midnight oil, readied the journal and applied for indexation in Scopus. Initial screening revealed positive response and we were asked to submit with few clarifications but it was later declined by Scopus. The reasons cited for rejection were no too impressive because these were rectifiable points and we were not allowed to re-appeal or apply for at least next 5 years, from 2010. We fought our way out and even during one of the meetings with Scopus officials recently in Kuala Lumpur, we were told that we could still improve because our journal had quality. We were even suggested few facts and we are working on it. Let me apprise you all that the quest has not ended but we have recharged our batteries to apply at the earliest for Scopus databases indexation.In the meantime, I thought of applying for indexation in other databases because these could add feather to our cap. I could get the support of my editorial members to apply for indexation in other major databases. We got indexation in MyCite, Psychoinfo, EBSCO, Open J Gate, Google Scholar and the prestigious Western Pacific Index Medicus (WPRIM). Now, these six major indexations have projected our journal at a greater level. Readers and authors worldwide may be attracted and we may have more submissions in future. There is an endless list for future applications to other indexation databases and I shall keep you abreast with the latest happenings.Indexation of a journal is a multifaceted matter. The quality of articles, timely schedules publication of the articles, frequency of publications and the full support and commitment of editorial members are very important. Despite the ongoing challenges, we, the editorial teams have never given up but chose to deal with it. I do not know how far I can achieve the target but let me assure you that at the end of next 6 months, we will have few more indexations. I would request your valuable support in the future. âIt is a voyage in the rough sea and I do not know what will happen once the storm rises.â Let us work for the stupendous success of the journal. Let me thank each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of the journal. May Almighty bless you all.Warm regards,Hatta bin SidiEditor-in-Chief |
| Publisher | ASEAN Federation of Psychiatry and Mental Health (AFPMH) |
| Date | 2012-10-01 |
| Source | ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry Vol 14, No 1 (2013): ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry |