I have a question regarding DOAJ’s stated policy on metrics, which is as follows:
“DOAJ does not approve of using Impact Factors or ranking metrics. However, journals may display the Journal Impact Factor calculated by Clarivate and metrics from Scopus. Journals must not display any reference (images, links, logos) to Impact Factors or ranking metrics from any other service.”
I would like to clarify whether sharing metrics such as PDF views, HTML views, or downloads (please see the attached screenshot for reference) complies with DOAJ’s policies. Please find
I understand that none of the metrics shown in the image are considered “Impact Factors or ranking metrics” of the journal, so they don’t fit this DOAJ requirement.
On the other hand, I see several journals in Brazil displaying the H5 index calculated by Google Scholar or Qualis (a national metric linked to the evaluation of postgraduate programs). I take advantage of your question to ask if these are not accepted by DOAJ.
I can confirm that metrics, such as PDF views, HTML views or downloads, are prefectly acceptable and as @abadan Diego said, they do not count as impact factors or ranking metrics.
As for the H5 index or Qualis, those discussions are still happening and I will reply again soon.