VaultBiblio Guardian

A Scholarly Publication on Academic Publishing Integrity

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Journal Information

ISSN
2025-0000 (Online)
Frequency
Quarterly
Publisher
DERaC, LLC
Language
English
Established
2025

Editorial Objectives

VaultBiblio Guardian serves as a premier scholarly venue for rigorous investigation and documentation of malpractices within academic publishing ecosystems. The journal facilitates critical discourse on predatory publishing phenomena, fostering evidence-based approaches to safeguarding scholarly communication integrity.

Our publication adheres to the highest standards of investigative scholarship, employing systematic methodologies to examine, analyze, and disseminate findings regarding deceptive academic practices that compromise research dissemination quality and exploit scholarly communities.

Journal Scope and Editorial Policy

Scope and Coverage

Predatory Publishing Practices

  • Systematic analysis of deceptive publisher business models and operational frameworks
  • Comprehensive evaluation of editorial transparency deficiencies and peer review inadequacies
  • Investigation of fraudulent academic credentials and institutional misrepresentation
  • Documentation of exploitative financial structures and coercive payment mechanisms

Conference Misconduct

  • Critical assessment of conference legitimacy and academic rigor standards
  • Examination of organizational transparency and venue authenticity verification
  • Analysis of registration fee exploitation and unfulfilled professional commitments
  • Identification of spurious international affiliations and credential fabrication

Journal Quality Assessment

  • Methodical evaluation of peer review integrity and editorial governance structures
  • Analysis of bibliometric manipulation and indexing misrepresentation practices
  • Investigation of journal hijacking incidents and identity theft phenomena
  • Documentation of pay-to-publish schemes lacking appropriate scholarly oversight

Academic Misconduct Facilitation

  • Empirical research on paper mill operations and ghostwriting service networks
  • Comprehensive analysis of credential fraud and degree mill proliferation
  • Investigation of research misconduct enablement and facilitation mechanisms
  • Documentation of systematic researcher exploitation and financial malfeasance

Editorial Governance

Editorial Board Composition

The Editorial Board comprises distinguished scholars specializing in bibliometrics, research integrity, scholarly communication, and academic ethics. Members possess extensive expertise in investigating academic misconduct and maintaining rigorous publication standards.

Editorial Standards

All submissions undergo rigorous editorial scrutiny, ensuring adherence to evidence-based reporting principles. The journal maintains strict verification protocols and implements comprehensive fact-checking procedures for all published content.

Conflict of Interest Policy

The journal maintains stringent conflict of interest protocols, ensuring editorial independence and scholarly objectivity. All editorial decisions are made transparently, with appropriate disclosure of potential conflicts.

Manuscript Categories

Research Articles

Original empirical investigations examining predatory publishing phenomena, utilizing systematic methodologies and providing novel insights into academic misconduct patterns.

Length: 6,000-8,000 words | Abstract: 250 words maximum

Case Studies

Detailed analyses of specific predatory entities or incidents, providing comprehensive documentation and lessons learned for the scholarly community.

Length: 3,000-5,000 words | Abstract: 200 words maximum

Methodological Papers

Innovative approaches to detecting, analyzing, or preventing predatory practices in academic publishing and scholarly communication.

Length: 4,000-6,000 words | Abstract: 250 words maximum

Review Articles

Comprehensive syntheses of existing literature on predatory publishing topics, providing critical analysis and identifying research gaps.

Length: 8,000-10,000 words | Abstract: 300 words maximum

Commentary and Perspective

Scholarly opinions on current issues in academic publishing integrity, policy recommendations, and professional discourse contributions.

Length: 2,000-3,000 words | Abstract: 150 words maximum

Brief Communications

Concise reports of preliminary findings, alerts regarding emerging predatory practices, or time-sensitive information for the academic community.

Length: 1,500-2,500 words | Abstract: 150 words maximum

Submission Guidelines

Manuscript Preparation

  • Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.docx)
  • Double-spaced text with 12-point Times New Roman font
  • APA 7th edition citation style required
  • Include comprehensive reference list with DOI links where available
  • Provide detailed author biographies and institutional affiliations

Required Components

  • Title page with author information and conflict of interest declarations
  • Structured abstract with keywords (3-6 terms)
  • Main text with appropriate headings and subheadings
  • Acknowledgments section recognizing contributions and funding
  • Supplementary materials as separate files when applicable

Ethical Considerations

All submissions must adhere to stringent ethical standards, including appropriate human subjects protections when applicable, transparent disclosure of data sources, and adherence to institutional research ethics protocols. Authors must provide explicit consent documentation when featuring identifiable entities or individuals in their research.

Peer Review Process

Initial Review

Editorial assessment within 2 weeks of submission, evaluating scope alignment, methodological rigor, and contribution significance.

Double-Blind Review

Minimum two expert reviewers conduct comprehensive evaluation, with additional reviewers assigned for complex or controversial submissions.

Editorial Decision

Final determination based on reviewer recommendations, editorial board consultation, and adherence to journal standards and objectives.

Review Timeline

Initial Editorial Decision
Within 14 days of submission
Peer Review Completion
8-12 weeks from assignment
Author Revision Period
6 weeks for major revisions
Final Publication Decision
4 weeks post-revision submission

Appeals Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions through formal written request to the Editor-in-Chief within 30 days of notification. Appeals undergo independent review by Editorial Board members not involved in the original decision process.

The journal maintains transparent appeals procedures ensuring fair consideration of all scholarly contributions while upholding rigorous publication standards.

Indexing and Access

Open Access Policy

All articles published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, ensuring unrestricted access to scholarly content.

Indexing Services

Indexed in major academic databases including DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science, and specialized library science indexes.

Digital Preservation

Long-term preservation ensured through CLOCKSS, Portico, and institutional repository partnerships.