Ensuring Quality in University Presses for Open Journal Systems Hosting Services
For entities like us (IndraStra Global e-Journal Hosting Services), which specialize in providing Open Journal Systems (OJS) hosting services, the process of selecting university presses carries profound implications. This decision holds the key to fulfilling their mission of fostering an inclusive and vibrant ecosystem of open-access scholarship.
The task of evaluating university publishers goes beyond a routine checklist. Instead, it represents a critical juncture where values, ethics, and accessibility converge. However, it can be distilled into a few key factors, each essential for fostering a thriving ecosystem of open-access scholarship, and those are as follows;
Open Access Principles: At the heart of open access lies the principle of unrestricted knowledge sharing. When assessing university presses, it is imperative to ensure that they are steadfast in their commitment to Open Access Principles. This means that their content is freely available to anyone, anywhere, without paywalls or subscription fees. Open access should be more than a buzzword; it should be a core philosophy.
Code of Publisher Ethics: Ethical standards are the bedrock of credible academic publishing. A strong Code of Publisher Ethics is a non-negotiable criterion. University publishers must have clear guidelines governing authorship, peer review, conflicts of interest, and research integrity. Moreover, a commitment to addressing ethical violations and transparent retractions is crucial. Trust is built on moral foundations.
Zero Article Processing Charges (APCs): The financial aspect of open access must be considered. Zero Article Processing Charges are vital to ensuring equitable access to publishing opportunities. University presses should not burden authors with fees for processing, publishing, or accessing their articles. A sustainable funding model should be in place, divorced from author payments.
No Embargo: Knowledge delayed is knowledge denied. The absence of embargoes is crucial. University presses should not impose delays on the release of research content after acceptance or publication. Research findings should be accessible to the public as swiftly as possible. Time should not be a barrier to the spread of knowledge.
Plagiarism Check: Maintaining the integrity of scholarly work is imperative. University presses must employ robust plagiarism detection systems to prevent and address instances of plagiarism in submitted manuscripts. A transparent policy for handling plagiarism cases should be in place. Plagiarism compromises the foundation of academic inquiry.
University Central Library’s Team Expertise: Last but not least, the expertise of the University Central Library’s team is a determining factor. They are the backbone of OJS hosting services, providing invaluable support. Their technical knowledge and resources play a pivotal role in the publishing process, assisting authors, reviewers, and editors. Their expertise ensures the seamless operation of the system.
Conclusion
The assessment of university presses for OJS hosting services is multifaceted. As discussed above, it centers on various aspects, including principles, ethical conduct, financial inclusivity, prompt dissemination, integrity, and technical proficiency. Through a rigorous assessment of these factors, organizations like ours can be confident in selecting university publishers who not only meet but surpass the rigorous standards of open-access scholarship. In doing so, they play a significant role in enhancing the global reservoir of knowledge and advancing the cause of information democratization—a collective effort that benefits everyone.
NOTE:
1: We offer the OJS hosting service as a third-party commercial service provider. We are not affiliated with PKP or PKP Publishing Services (or PKP|PS).
2: As per the Open Access principles (Plan-S), journals hosted on IndraStra OJS Platform (exempted for custom deployment cost) can not impose any APC (Article Processing Charges) on their authors. Also, the journal contents cannot be locked behind a paywall.
3: Individual researchers need to submit an Institution Affiliation Certificate (IAC) or University Endorsement Letter (UEL) along with their SCOPUS IDs (mandatory) to host a journal at IndraStra OJS Platform (exempted for custom deployment).
4: We fully support the HINARI/AGORA/OARE/ARDI/TEEAL/ITOCA Access to the IndraStra OJS platform; a full waiver is given to institutions from the HINARI group A countries, and a 50% discount to institutions from group B. To check the eligibility, visit this link. link.
