Name meaning
What does “Beall” mean?
In the phrase “Beall’s List,” Beall refers to Jeffrey Beall, the librarian associated with the original lists of potential predatory publishers and journals.
Maintained by the Beallslists.com editorial review team · Last reviewed: June 19, 2026
The meaning in this context
“Beall” is not a journal metric, not a database, and not an indexing category. It is the surname of Jeffrey Beall, whose work on questionable open-access publishing became widely discussed among researchers, librarians, and institutions.
When people search “what does Beall mean,” they are usually asking why this list carries that name. The answer is historical: the list became known by the name of the person who created and maintained the original resource.
How to use the term responsibly
Because the phrase is widely recognized, it is often used as shorthand for checking predatory publishing concerns. Still, authors should avoid using “Beall listed” as the only evidence. Use it together with current verification steps, especially when money, graduation requirements, or institutional evaluation is involved.
People also ask
Is Beall a database?
No. In this context it refers to Jeffrey Beall and the list associated with his work.
Is Beall’s List an official government list?
No. It is an archive and reference resource, not a government or legal register.
Can I cite Beall’s List?
You may cite it as a screening resource, but current verification should be documented separately.
Useful external references
Use official databases and recognized publishing-ethics resources before making a submission decision. External links are provided for verification and do not replace your institution’s policy.