New Open Access Journals Toolkit for Publishers and Researchers

In a joint announcement, the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA) and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) have unveiled an innovative Open Access Journals Toolkit. This development signifies a significant milestone in the shared commitment of OASPA and DOAJ to enhance transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity within the realm of scholarly publishing. The toolkit has been designed to address the growing need for a comprehensive online resource that can assist both emerging and established open-access journals in navigating the dynamic landscape of open-access publishing. The development of the Open Access Journals Toolkit commenced in November 2022 and culminated with its official launch in June 2023.

The Open Access Journals Toolkit is the result of a collaborative effort, drawing input from a diverse editorial board. It boasts several key features:

1. User-Friendly Accessibility: The toolkit is hosted on a user-friendly and easily navigable website, meticulously crafted to adhere to W3C accessibility guidelines. This approach ensures that users can effortlessly locate pertinent information and resources regardless of their internet access method.
2. Curated Resources: The toolkit houses a curated repository of resources that span various facets of open-access publishing. Topics covered include editorial policies, licensing, metadata, and indexing.
3. Practical Guidance: Publishers seeking to establish and maintain high-quality open-access journals will find a wealth of applicable guidelines and templates within the toolkit.
4. Offline Access: Recognizing some users’ connectivity challenges, the toolkit is available for download. This feature ensures that individuals with intermittent internet access can still benefit from its contents.
5. Multilingual Support: The toolkit is accessible in multiple languages, with a French version set to launch shortly, making it even more inclusive on a global scale.

The introduction of this Open Access Journals Toolkit is poised to make a substantial impact on the scholarly publishing landscape. By providing a comprehensive and accessible resource, OASPA and DOAJ are empowering publishers and researchers to navigate the ever-evolving world of open access publishing with greater ease and effectiveness.

For more details and the complete announcement, interested parties are encouraged to explore the toolkit’s website.