Frequently asked questions

Quick answer: MRU does not subscribe to Journal Citation Reports (the database that hosts Journal Impact Factors). But you can still:

• Check the journal’s website: Look under “About the Journal” or “Submission Guidelines.” Many journals list their Impact Factor, CiteScore, or SJR.
• Use Scopus (MRU subscribes): Scopus does not include JIF, but it does provide other journal metrics:
  • CiteScore (4-year citation average)
  • SJR (field-weighted influence)
  • SNIP (subject-normalized impact)

Access Scopus

Student tips: Using metrics in assignments

• If your professor asks for an “impact factor,” they usually mean JIF, but clarify if Scopus metrics are acceptable.
• If you can’t find the number, explain where you looked and what you found.
• Still stuck? Ask at the Service Desk (1st floor of the Library), use chat, or book a Subject Librarian.

Want to know more about journal metrics?

For context on how journal metrics work, their limitations, and how they compare, see the Library’s Research Assessment guide.

Faculty and scholars: The Research Assessment guide also includes advice on choosing where to publish, highlighting journal prestige in applications, and evaluating research impact beyond journal metrics.