* No central registry: There's no single, universally accepted database that tracks every journal.
* Varying definitions: What constitutes an "academic journal" can be subjective. Some may include trade publications, while others focus solely on peer-reviewed research.
* Constant fluctuation: New journals emerge and existing ones cease publication regularly.
However, estimates exist:
* Ulrichsweb: A major directory of scholarly publications estimates over 300,000 journals.
* Other sources: Other estimates range from 100,000 to 500,000, depending on the criteria used.
It's important to note that these numbers likely underestimate the actual count, especially given the rise of open access and online publishing.