There are seven core journals (or source journals) selection systems in China:
Peking University Library Chinese Core Journal, Nanjing University Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) Source Journal, China Institute of Science and Technology Information China Science and Technology Papers Statistical Source Journal (also known as China Science and Technology Core Journal).
China Humanities and Social Sciences Core Journals, China Science Citation Database (CSCD) Source Journals, China Humanities and Social Sciences Journal, China Humanities and Social Sciences Journal and China Core Journals Selected Database under construction by Wan Fang Data Co., Ltd.
background
At the end of 1980s, the library and information department had to reduce the number and variety of periodicals ordered due to the massive increase of periodical varieties and rising periodical prices, and the serious shortage of books funds. At that time, reference tools for evaluating academic journals were particularly needed to help determine the list of journals that must be ordered and can be deleted.
In addition, the library and information department also needs reference tools in reading guidance for periodical readers. At that time, although there were some sporadic research results of single-discipline core journals, the evaluation of all Chinese academic journals published in China was still blank, and no practical large-scale reference tools could be found. Therefore, researching and compiling a set of scientific, objective and practical evaluation tools for Chinese academic journals has become the common responsibility and desire of periodical workers in library and information departments.