What is Elsevier?

 

Elsevier is a leading publishing company founded in 1880 in the Netherlands. It is one of the largest publishers of academic journals and books worldwide, known for producing high-impact research publications across various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences. Elsevier also develops digital tools and platforms to support researchers, society and business.

Elsevier in numbers

2,900+

digitized journals

46,000+

ebook titles

800+

open access journals

190,000+

open access articles

17%

global research output

 

Elsevier in numbers

 

Key historical points

Elsevier has a rich history marked by significant developments that have shaped the field of scholarly communication.

1880-1930: publication of good quality editions of literary and scholarly classics (staff consisted of no more than ten people).

1930s: the first publisher to translate German scientific texts and textbooks in English for both political and practical reasons. *

* In the 1930s, German was still regarded as the primary language for international scientific communication, as German scientists were at the forefront of many disciplines, including chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

1939: start of an international expansion and establishing a UK office.

1940s-50s: Elsevier as an international publisher was well-positioned to continue serving the expanding international market after the changed intellectual landscape after World War II.

1947: introduction of the first international journal — Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. *

* BBA is now not only the oldest but undoubtedly one of the most esteemed titles published by Elsevier.

1950s: development of an impressive collection of science journals, aiming to enhance, rather than weaken, the range of individual scientists’ knowledge.

1960s: further international expansion in the UK and the USA; the beginning of Elsevier’s journey towards becoming the global scientific publishing company.

1970s: a decade of mergers as a response to an industrywide crisis, fostering collaborations among scientific publishing companies; great success of clinical medical publishing by Elsevier.

1979: launch of the Adonis project by Elsevier — an innovative electronic journal distribution system aiming to deliver documents faster and more affordably (further abandoned as the ambitious and expensive project).

1980s: Elsevier adjusted its pricing strategy in response to a currency-exchange crisis while continuously adapting to the changing needs of its customers; investments were made in new electronic delivery formats to ensure access to information.

1997: launch of ScienceDirect revolutionizing the accessibility and sharing of scientific information globally.

2000s: growing Open Access movement to offer more options for authors to make their work freely accessible.

2004: launch of Scopus — a comprehensive abstract and citation database that provided researchers with access to a wide range of scientific literature, enhancing literature review and citation analysis capabilities.

2010s: collaborations with universities and research organizations to develop tools and platforms designed to speed up the research process and improve access to scholarly content.

2020s: investments in AI and machine learning to enhance research analytics and improve the quality of publishing services.

These points show the changes in Elsevier and its continued impact on academic publishing and sharing research.

 

What is the difference between Elsevier, Scopus and Science Direct?

Elsevier, Scopus, and ScienceDirect are well-known resources in academic research and publishing. Many researchers, students, and institutions rely on them to access a vast array of scientific literature, keeping them informed about new developments in their fields. With extensive databases and user-friendly designs, these platforms make it easier to find and use research materials, boosting the efficiency of academic work and driving innovation across different disciplines. However, while many people are aware of these platforms, not everyone knows the specific differences between them. Understanding these distinctions is important for researchers to effectively navigate the academic landscape and make the best use of these tools in their studies.

Let’s look at the differences between Elsevier, Scopus, and ScienceDirect:

Aspect Elsevier ScienceDirect Scopus
Year established 1880 2004 1997
Type Publisher Abstract and citation database Online repository of journals and articles
Purpose Publishes books and journals Provides comprehensive indexing and metrics Hosts full-text research articles and journals
Features High-impact journals, publishing services Citation analysis tools, metrics for research evaluation Advanced search, filtering options, and downloadable content

 

To sum up, Scopus, Elsevier, and ScienceDirect are interconnected within the academic publishing ecosystem, but they serve different functions:

  • Elsevier: This is a major publisher of scientific, technical, and medical literature. It produces numerous academic journals and books and is involved in various publishing initiatives.
  • Scopus: This is an abstract and citation database owned by Elsevier. It indexes a vast number of peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, providing researchers with metrics and tools to track and analyze the impact of research publications.
  • ScienceDirect: This is an online platform, also managed by Elsevier, that provides access to a large collection of scientific and technical research articles, primarily from journals published by Elsevier. Users can download full-text articles, often requiring institutional or individual subscriptions.

 

What is Elsevier used for? Services and products

Elsevier is a leading global provider of information and data solutions, offering a diverse range of services and products customized to the needs of researchers, academic institutions, and professionals across various fields.

For more detailed information about the products which Elsevier provide for Academic & Government, Health and Industry, you can access this special page.

To be more precise on the services by Elsevier (apart from Scopus and ScienceDirect) which can help researchers, see the information below.

  • Digital Commons is an institutional repository platform designed to help universities, research institutions, and organizations manage, showcase, and preserve their scholarly content. It provides users with the tools to collect, organize, and share various types of research outputs, including articles, theses, dissertations, and datasets, thereby enhancing the visibility of institutional research.
  • Mendeley is a reference management software and academic social network developed by Elsevier, designed to help researchers organize their research, collaborate effectively, and discover new content. It allows users to store, manage, and share references and research papers in a user-friendly interface.
  • Researcher Academy is an online platform designed to support researchers at various stages of their academic career by providing free, high-quality educational resources focused on research skills and scholarly publishing. The platform offers a wide range of interactive courses, webinars, and articles covering topics such as writing and publishing a research paper, understanding the peer-review process, conducting effective literature reviews, and navigating ethical considerations in research.
  • SSRN is a repository and platform for the dissemination of scholarly research in the social sciences and humanities. It allows authors to share their working papers, preprints, and published articles with a global audience, facilitating collaboration and feedback from peers.

 

What are the peculiarities of using Elsevier services?

Elsevier services offer several unique features designed to meet the varied needs of researchers, academics, and professionals. They can be immensely beneficial by enhancing research efficiency and effectiveness and promote higher research productivity, better collaboration, and more informed decision-making advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

  1. High standards of peer review: Elsevier is well-known for its strict process of checking research papers, which helps ensure that only high-quality work gets published.
  2. Global presence: Elsevier has offices and representatives all over the world to support scientists internationally.
  3. Wide range of scientific disciplines: Elsevier publishes research in many fields, such as medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and social sciences, making it a very adaptable publisher.
  4. Online platforms: Elsevier provides various online platforms that make it easy to access research.
  5. Tools for researchers: Elsevier offers different tools to help researchers optimize their work.

 

Myths about Elsevier

Elsevier is one of the largest academic publishers in the world, but its prominence has led to the emergence of various misconceptions regarding its practices and policies. These myths can impact researchers’ publishing decisions and perceptions of the academic publishing landscape. Let’s see the common misconceptions:

  • High publication fees only: People think they always have to pay a lot to publish with Elsevier but while some Elsevier journals may charge fees, many also allow for free publication.
  • Impossible to publish: It can be difficult to publish due to rigorous peer review processes, intense competition, complex formatting guidelines, and the need to produce high-quality research that fits the journal’s scope. Yes, these factors make the publishing process challenging but it’s still real.
  • Long publication times: While some submissions can take time, many authors report efficient peer review and publication timelines in certain Elsevier journals.
  • Author rights are severely limited: Many believe publishing with Elsevier means losing all rights to their work, but authors often retain significant rights, especially in open access options.
  • Subscription models prevent access for all: While some journals may have strict subscription models, Elsevier also provides institutional access and offers options for individuals to purchase articles, making research accessible in different ways.

 

How to publish in Elsevier?

Publishing in Elsevier is important because it offers access to a reputable platform with a wide audience, enhancing the visibility and credibility of your research. Elsevier journals are well-respected in the academic community, which can lead to increased citations and recognition among peers. The rigorous peer review process ensures that a published work meets high-quality standards, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

Here are key steps on how to publish your research in Elsevier journals:

  1. Choose your journal: Select an appropriate journal that aligns with your research area by exploring Elsevier’s journal finder or browsing their website.
  2. Prepare your manuscript: Follow the specific guidelines provided by the chosen journal, including formatting, style, and length requirements. All you need to know about scientific articles is written here. Always check the individual journal’s website for specific submission guidelines and processes.
  3. Submit your article: Create an account on the journal’s submission portal, then upload your manuscript and any required supplementary materials.
  4. Wait for the results of the peer review process: After you submit your manuscript, it will be evaluated by experts in your field (peer reviewers) who assess the quality, validity, and significance of your research. The duration of this waiting period can vary, often taking several weeks to a few months, during which you will not have any updates on your submission status.
  5. Revise your manuscript carefully: Once completed, the journal will inform you of the reviewers’ comments and the editorial decision regarding your manuscript. After receiving feedback, you should thoroughly go through your paper to address any comments and suggestions.
  6. Get the final editorial decision: This decision is communicated to you via email or the journal’s submission system. If accepted, you will be informed about the next steps towards publication; if revisions are needed, you will receive comments and suggestions from reviewers to help improve your manuscript before resubmission; and if rejected, you will typically receive a rationale for the decision.
  7. Wait for the publication: During this phase, you may be involved in reviewing proofs to ensure accuracy before the article is officially published online or in print on the official website of the Elsevier journal.

To successfully publish in an Elsevier journal, you need to plan your research carefully, follow the journal’s guidelines, and be open to feedback from reviewers. It’s essential to choose a topic that is relevant to a global audience, select appropriate literature in English, and ensure that your paper maintains a similarity of less than 5–10%. By maintaining high research standards and transparency, you can improve the chances of being recognized within the academic community.

If you feel you don’t have the time to complete this process yourself, trust the task of writing an article for Scopus to the specialists at Science Publisher Company. We have extensive experience in preparing articles across various specialties and can help you publish in top-tier journals.

If you have any difficulties with some stages during the publication process, contact us and order our Publication Support Services.

We are more than happy to assist you in achieving all your publication goals.

 

What is the Elsevier Journals Finder and how to use it?

Selecting the right journal for your research is a significant step in the publication process, as it directly influences the visibility and impact of your research. Elsevier offers a valuable resource known as the Journal Finder. This online tool is designed to assist researchers in identifying appropriate journals for their manuscripts helping to streamline the submission process.

Steps for using Journal Finder:

  • Follow the link to access Elsevier Journals Finder tool.

 

What is the Elsevier Journals Finder and how to use it

 

You can use this tool in two ways: match your abstract with the journals with the similar content or search journals by keywords or journal title.

 

  • Choose one of the options and fill in all necessary information.
  • Click the Find journals button to let the tool find suitable journals for you.
  • Look at the list of journals recommended for your research topic (you can filter the journals by publication type, Impact Factor, Citescore and publication speed). You can also see a brief information on the journal metrics.

 

Using the Journal Finder

 

  • Visit the selected journal page and read about its aims and scope, submission guidelines, publishing charges and other important information.
  • Check the indexation of these journals in the relevant databases.
  • Choose the journal that best fits your research and audience before submitting your work.

Using the Journal Finder can significantly improve the efficiency and help authors make informed decisions about their submissions.

With a wide range of journals, books, and digital tools, Elsevier helps find and share the high-quality findings. Their commitment to innovation allows them to keep up with the changing world of research and technology, promoting scientific progress and making valuable research resources accessible.

 

Frequently asked questions

  1. Is Elsevier a journal or publisher?

Elsevier is a publisher of a wide range of academic journals, books, and other resources, but it is not a journal itself.

  1. How does Elsevier’s pricing model work?

Elsevier uses various pricing models, including subscription-based access, article processing charges (APCs) for open access articles, and institutional agreements to facilitate access for users.

  1. Can I access Elsevier content for free?

Some content may be accessible for free through institutional subscriptions, open access articles, and preprint servers.

  1. Does Elsevier have a policy on preprints?

Yes, Elsevier allows authors to share preprints of their work on servers and platforms before formal publication, provided they comply with specific journal policies regarding preprint sharing.

  1. How can users get support with Elsevier products?

Elsevier offers customer support services, including help desks, online documentation, and tutorials, to assist users with inquiries and technical issues related to their products.

  1. Can authors withdraw their submitted manuscripts from Elsevier?

Yes, authors may withdraw their manuscripts from consideration before formal acceptance, but requests must follow specific guidelines outlined by the journal during the submission process.

  1. How often are Elsevier journals published, and is there a consistent schedule?

Elsevier journals have varying publication frequency, typically ranging from monthly to quarterly, and many have a set publication schedule which can be found on their individual journal websites.

  1. Are all Elsevier journals indexed by Scopus?

No, not all Elsevier journals are indexed by Scopus. While many of Elsevier’s journals are included in the Scopus database, each journal undergoes a special selection process.

  1. Are new journals in Elsevier 2024 indexed in Scopus?

New journals can be indexed in Scopus, as long as they meet the indexing criteria and requirements set by Scopus. It can take some time after the journal’s launch, often ranging from several months to a couple of years.

  1. Is Elsevier a good journal?

Elsevier is not a journal but a major academic publisher that produces a wide range of journals, many of which are well-regarded and ranked highly in their respective fields. The quality of an Elsevier journal can vary, so it’s important to assess individual journals based on their impact factor, peer-review process, editorial board, and the relevance of their published articles to your specific area of research.

  1. How much does it cost to publish in Elsevier journal indexed by Scopus?

This cost can vary widely depending on the specific journal and its open access policy. For open access journals, article processing charges typically range from around $500 to $5,000, although some specialty journals may charge more. For subscription-based journals, there is generally no publication fee unless authors opt for open access publication. It’s best to check the journal website for other specific fees related to publication as well as any potential waivers or discounts.

  1. What is the rejection rate for Elsevier journals?

The rejection rate for Elsevier journals varies by specific journal and discipline, but it generally ranges from 20% to over 80%. High-impact journals often have lower acceptance rates, reflecting a more competitive selection process. For precise rejection rates, consult the journal statistics or guidelines.

  1. Where can I find the Elsevier journal list?

Elsevier journal list can be found on the official website of the publisher via the link.

  1. Is Elsevier a Scopus or SCI?

Elsevier is a publishing company that produces a wide range of academic journals, some of which are indexed in Scopus, a bibliographic database of scientific literature, while others may also be included in the Science Citation Index (SCI), a specific subset of the Web of Science. Therefore, Elsevier is not Scopus or SCI but is associated with both through its published journals.

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