Impact factor, an inadequate yardstick

Abstract

Our aim is twofold. On the one hand we discuss the limitations of the impact factor as a criterion for assessing mathematical journals, and suggest substituting a set of different types of indicators including the SCImago Journal Rank. On the other, we state that scientometrics such as the impact factor cannot be used alone in evaluating researchers’ work: one must have both a package of metrics as an objective measure and peer review by human beings as a subjective judgement.