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Demystifying the Open Journal System: A Guide for Researchers and Publishers

OJS Researchers and Publishers

Looking to start an open-access journal or to publish in open-access journals? The Open Journal System (OJS) is a powerful tool that can simplify and streamline the publishing process. In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the OJS, providing researchers and publishers with the knowledge they need to navigate this popular platform.

With over 10,000 journals currently using the OJS, understanding its features and functionalities is essential for anyone looking to publish scholarly articles. From submitting manuscripts to peer review to publication, the OJS offers a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Demystifying the Open Journal System: A Guide for Researchers and Publishers 1

In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process, starting with an overview of the OJS and its benefits. We will explain how to set up an account, submit your manuscript, and navigate the peer review process. Additionally, we will explore the various customization options available to publishers, ensuring your journal stands out.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to the publishing world, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively utilize the Open Journal System (OJS). Let’s unlock the potential of OJS and get your research out into the world.

Benefits of using the Open Journal System

The Open Journal System (OJS) offers numerous benefits for researchers and publishers alike. 

  • Firstly, it provides a platform for open-access publishing, allowing your research to reach a wider audience. By making your articles freely available, you can increase their visibility and impact.
  • Secondly, the OJS streamlines the publishing process. It provides a centralized system for manuscript submission, peer review, and publication. This eliminates the need for traditional, time-consuming processes, such as mailing physical copies of manuscripts. With the OJS, everything can be done online, saving time and resources.
  • Lastly, the OJS offers a robust archiving system. Once your articles are published, they are stored in a secure and easily accessible database. This ensures the long-term preservation and availability of your research even if the journal website goes out of service.

Overall, the benefits of using the Open Journal System are clear. It provides a reliable archiving solution. Let’s now explore the features of the OJS in more detail.

Features of the Open Journal System

The Open Journal System (OJS) is packed with features designed to enhance the publishing experience. One of its key features is the manuscript submission system. Researchers can easily create an account, upload their manuscripts, and track the progress of their submissions. This system provides transparency and allows authors to stay informed throughout the publication process.Demystifying the Open Journal System: A Guide for Researchers and Publishers 2

Another notable feature of the OJS is its robust peer review system. The platform facilitates the review process by allowing editors to assign reviewers, track their progress, and manage feedback. Reviewers can access the manuscripts online, making the process more efficient and convenient.

Demystifying the Open Journal System: A Guide for Researchers and Publishers 3

The OJS also offers comprehensive publishing tools. Once an article is accepted, publishers can easily format and publish it on the platform. The system supports various file formats, ensuring compatibility with different types of content. Additionally, publishers can customize the appearance of their journal, giving it a unique and professional look.

Demystifying the Open Journal System: A Guide for Researchers and Publishers 4

In addition to these features, the OJS provides a range of administrative tools. Journal managers can easily track submissions, assign roles to team members, and manage the entire publishing workflow. This centralized system simplifies the management process and ensures efficient collaboration among team members.

Setting up the Open Journal System

Setting up the Open Journal System (OJS) is a little complex process. So, it is advisable to choose a service provider that offers OJS hosting.

Click Here to Consult OJS Hosting Provider>>

In case you want to set up OJS manually, then you can start by buying appropriate hosting. Once you have chosen a hosting option, you can proceed with the installation process. The OJS provides detailed documentation and installation guides to help you through the process. It typically involves downloading the software, configuring the server, and setting up the database.

After the installation is complete, you can start customizing your journal. The OJS allows you to create a unique look and feel for your journal by customizing the theme, logo, and colors. You can also configure settings related to user registration, submission guidelines, and publication workflows. Alternatively, you can go for the ready OJS theme available with the OJS service providers. Click Here to buy OJS theme>>

With the basic setup complete, you can now start accepting manuscript submissions. The OJS provides a submission form where authors can enter their article details, upload files, and provide any additional information. As the journal manager, you can easily review and manage these submissions through the OJS dashboard.

Once your journal is up and running, you can focus on managing submissions and navigating the peer review process.

Customizing the Open Journal System for your journal

One of the advantages of using the Open Journal System (OJS) is the ability to customize it according to your journal’s specific needs. The OJS offers a range of customization options that allow you to create a unique and professional journal.

  • Firstly, you can customize the visual appearance of your journal by selecting a theme and modifying the colors and fonts. The OJS provides a variety of pre-designed themes to choose from, or you can create your custom theme. This customization option allows you to align your journal’s visual identity with your brand or organization.
  • Secondly, you can customize the submission process to fit your journal’s requirements. The OJS allows you to define submission guidelines, specify required fields, and set up a submission workflow. This customization ensures that authors provide all the necessary information and follow the submission process specific to your journal.
  • Additionally, you can customize the peer review process in the OJS. You can define review criteria, assign reviewers, and set deadlines for review completion. This customization allows you to tailor the peer review process to meet the specific needs of your journal and ensure timely and thorough reviews.
  • Furthermore, the OJS allows you to customize the publication process. You can define publication workflows, set up article templates, and configure article metadata. This customization ensures that the articles published in your journal are formatted consistently and meet the necessary standards.

Managing submissions and peer review process in the Open Journal System

  • The Open Journal System (OJS) provides a user-friendly interface for managing submissions and the peer review process. As a journal manager, you have full control over the entire workflow, from submission to publication.
  • When a manuscript is submitted, you can easily access it through the OJS dashboard. The system provides a clear overview of all submissions, allowing you to track their progress and manage them efficiently. You can assign reviewers, track their progress, and manage the feedback they provide.
  • The OJS streamlines the peer review process by providing a platform for communication between authors, reviewers, and editors. Reviewers can access the manuscript online, making it easy for them to read, annotate, and provide feedback. Authors can respond to reviewers’ comments and make revisions directly within the OJS.
  • As a journal manager, you have the authority to make decisions based on reviewers’ recommendations. The OJS provides a simple interface for making editorial decisions, such as accepting, rejecting, or requesting revisions for a manuscript. Once a decision is made, you can communicate it to the authors through the system.

During the entire process, OJS meticulously records all activities and facilitates transparent editorial decisions. This guarantees accountability in the peer review process, enabling the generation of reports and collection of data for analysis and decision-making. These log reports play a crucial role when applying to prominent indexing agencies such as SCOPUS, WOS, PubMed, and others.

Managing submissions and the peer review process in the Open Journal System is made easy and efficient. The system provides all the necessary tools and features to streamline the workflow and ensure a smooth publication process. Now that you have successfully managed the peer review process, let’s explore how to publish and archive articles in the OJS.

Publishing and archiving articles in the Open Journal System

Publishing and archiving articles in the Open Journal System (OJS) is a seamless process that ensures the accessibility and long-term preservation of your research.

  • Once a manuscript has completed the peer review process, it is ready for publication. The OJS provides a user-friendly interface for publishing articles. You can easily format the manuscript according to the journal’s guidelines and convert it into a publishable format, such as PDF or HTML.
  • The OJS allows you to assign DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) to your articles. DOIs are unique identifiers that provide a persistent link to your articles, ensuring their long-term accessibility. This allows readers to easily cite and reference your articles, increasing their visibility and impact.
  • Furthermore, the OJS provides a comprehensive archiving system. Once an article is published, it is stored in a secure and easily accessible database. The OJS supports various archiving standards, ensuring the long-term preservation and availability of your research. This archiving system ensures that your articles remain accessible even if the journal undergoes any changes or transitions.
  • The OJS allows you to create article collections or special issues. This feature enables you to organize related articles and showcase them as a curated collection. It also allows you to highlight important research or topics within your journal.

Promoting your journal using the Open Journal System

Promoting your journal is essential for increasing its visibility and attracting authors and readers. The Open Journal System (OJS) offers various features and tools to help you effectively promote your journal and reach a wider audience.

  • Firstly, the OJS allows you to create a journal website that showcases your journal and its content. You can customize the website’s design and layout to align with your journal’s brand or organization. Additionally, you can create sections on the website to highlight important articles, news, or announcements.
  • Secondly, the OJS provides a range of indexing and discovery options. You can register your journal with indexing services, such as DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) or Google Scholar. This increases the visibility of your journal and allows it to be discovered by researchers and readers worldwide.
  • Furthermore, the OJS supports social media integration. You can easily share articles, announcements, or updates from your journal on social media platforms. This enables you to reach a wider audience and engage with potential authors and readers.
  • The OJS also offers email notifications and alerts. You can set up automated email notifications to inform authors about the status of their submissions or to notify readers about new articles or issues. This keeps authors and readers engaged and informed, increasing their involvement with your journal.
  • Additionally, the OJS provides usage statistics and analytics. You can track the number of article views, downloads, or citations to assess the impact and reach of your journal. This data can help you make informed decisions about your journal’s promotion and development.

Common challenges and solutions in using the Open Journal System

While the Open Journal System (OJS) offers numerous benefits and features, there can be challenges in using the platform. However, with the right knowledge and solutions, these challenges can be overcome.

  • One common challenge is the initial setup and installation of the OJS. For those new to the platform, it may seem daunting to configure the server, set up the database, and customize the journal. However, there are dedicated OJS hosting and service providers like us (www.ojscloud.com) where you can seek support.
  • Another challenge is managing the peer review process efficiently. With multiple submissions and reviewers, it can be challenging to track the progress and ensure timely reviews. To overcome this challenge, it is important to establish clear communication channels with reviewers and set clear expectations and deadlines. Additionally, utilizing the features of the OJS, such as automated reminders and notifications, can help streamline the process.
  • Furthermore, promoting the journal and attracting authors and readers can be a challenge. With numerous journals available, it can be difficult to stand out and gain recognition. To overcome this challenge, it is important to create a unique and professional website, register with indexing services, and leverage social media and email notifications to increase visibility.
  • Lastly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the journal can be a challenge. Journals may face financial constraints or changes in editorial teams. To overcome this challenge, it is important to explore funding options, establish partnerships with institutions or organizations, and regularly review and update your journal’s policies and workflows.

Conclusion

This guide explores the Open Journal System (OJS) and its advantages for researchers and publishers. OJS provides a user-friendly platform for open-access publishing, streamlining processes, and offering robust archiving. We’ve highlighted benefits such as increased visibility, simplified workflows, and reliable archiving. The guide covers OJS features like manuscript submission, peer review, and customizable publishing tools. It includes a step-by-step setup guide, addressing common challenges with solutions. Whether you’re an experienced researcher or new to publishing, OJS provides a powerful platform to share your research globally.

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Unlocking the Power of DOI: A Comprehensive Guide to Citation

DOI

As the digital age continues to transform the way we access and share information, the need for effective ways to identify and reference digital objects has become increasingly important. The Digital Object Identifier, or DOI, is a system that was developed to provide a persistent link to digital objects, such as journal articles, books, and datasets. This article will explore what DOI is capable of, how it works, and how to refer to or cite digital objects using a DOI.

In the academic world, citations play a crucial role in validating research, giving credit to authors, and allowing readers to access the sources used in a particular work. Among the various methods of citation, Digital Object Identifier (DOI) has emerged as a standard and reliable way to reference academic publications. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on how to effectively use DOI for citation purposes.

What is a DOI? in simple words

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object, typically an academic publication such as a journal article, book chapter, conference paper, or dataset. The primary purpose of DOI is to provide a permanent link to the online location of the publication, ensuring its accessibility and persistence over time.

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How DOI Works:

When a publication is assigned a DOI, it becomes a permanent and stable identifier that can be used to locate the resource on the internet. DOI links are designed to be persistent, meaning they remain functional even if the location of the publication changes. DOI facilitates accurate citation by providing a standardized format for referencing scholarly works.

Benefits of Using DOI for Citation:

1. Permanent Linkage:

Unlike URLs, which may change or become obsolete over time, DOIs provide a persistent link to the publication, ensuring its long-term accessibility.

2. Improved Traceability:

DOIs enable precise tracking and identification of scholarly works, making it easier for researchers to verify and reference sources.

3. Enhanced Credibility:

By using DOIs in citations, authors demonstrate a commitment to academic integrity and adherence to standardized citation practices, thereby enhancing the credibility of their work.

4. Facilitated Access:

DOI links streamline the process of accessing scholarly resources, allowing readers to quickly navigate to the source with a single click.

How to Find DOI:

1. Journal Websites:

Many scholarly journals display DOIs alongside articles on their websites. Look for a DOI link or DOI number usually located near the article’s title or in the citation information.

2. DOI Databases:

Several online databases, such as CrossRef and PubMed, allow users to search for DOIs by entering bibliographic information such as the title, author, or publication date of the article.

3. Citation Tools:

Reference management software like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote often automatically retrieve DOIs for imported references, making it convenient for researchers to include them in their citations.

How to Format DOI in Citations:

When citing a publication with a DOI, it’s essential to include the DOI at the end of the citation in the following format:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI

For example:

Varun Patel, Hitesh Patel., & Jatin Patel, (2023). Understanding the impact of electric vehicles on the environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL REVIEWS, 15(3), 45-56. DOI: 10.1234/55789

It’s important to note that the DOI is typically preceded by the letters “DOI:” or “https://doi.org/” to indicate that it is a digital object identifier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Omitting DOI:

Failure to include the DOI in citations can make it difficult for readers to locate the source, undermining the credibility of the citation.

2. Incorrect Formatting:

Ensure that the DOI is formatted correctly according to the prescribed style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

3. Using URL Instead of DOI:

While URLs may also lead to the publication, they are less reliable than DOIs and may become outdated over time. Always prioritize DOI over URL for citation purposes.

Conclusion

In an era characterized by the abundance of digital information, DOI has emerged as a valuable tool for ensuring accurate and persistent citation of scholarly works. By understanding how to effectively use DOI for citation purposes, researchers can enhance the credibility of their work, facilitate access to scholarly resources, and contribute to the integrity of the academic discourse. Embracing DOI as a standard citation practice not only benefits individual scholars but also advances the collective pursuit of knowledge in academia.

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Top Features of Open Journal System (OJS) for Open-Access Journal Website.

OJS Fetures 2023
OJS Fetures 2023

The Internet has disrupted our life, specifically in “How we access information?”. No field remains immune to this groundbreaking innovation. Research is a field that is largely affected by the WWW. Documentation of the novel findings or alteration suggestions in existing findings is changed entirely. Open Journal System (OJS) has provided tremendous capabilities to its user for establishing the open-access journal website in 2-3 weeks.

Top Features of Open Journal System (OJS) for Open-Access Journal Website. 5

Entry of the OJS into the WWW makes the research digitization very efficient and manageable. As a result, many like to have these research articles at their fingertips, which means in the form of journal websites, specifically open-access journals. Access to research documentation in the form of a research article has become much easier than it was 10 years ago.

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Therefore, we cannot overlook the journal’s website performance and features. In this section, I would like to discuss the most important features provided by Open Journal System (OJS) to hosted websites.

Before moving ahead into the discussion, I would like to spare a little time on the elephant in the room, an “open access journal.” If you are new to the research world, you might not have heard about this group of words before. So, please read the below section to understand the background theory well so that advanced learnings become very easy.

What is an open-access journal?

Anything which doesn’t require any prior permission, license, subscription, or fee payment is called open access. The same phenomenon is applied to put this into the perspective of open-access journals. 

Top Features of Open Journal System (OJS) for Open-Access Journal Website. 7

Open-access journals are open to all research communities and normal human beings. To access the published research articles in such journals, you are not required to purchase a subscription or any special license. The most beautiful thing about these categories of journals is that they are “free.”

Note: Open-access journals are free for readers; however, they can charge some amount for publishing the articles.

Open-access journals were not very popular as there were no dedicated online infrastructures. Journals were in print form only. However, after the entrance of the Internet, many publishers have developed open-access journal websites. In continuation, I would add that Open Journal System (OJS) is a very robust open-sourced platform to quickly establish such pen accessed journals website.

Open-access journals website can be accessed by anyone having a good internet connection. So, you might be clear now that this is a very generous arrangement to accelerate the research and development by subtracting the cost hurdles.

Top Features of the Open Journal System (OJS):

Efficient OJS Themes:

With the recent upgrade, OJS has ready-to-use themes with endless color options. These themes are not just about looks but also agile in performance. These themes will allow you to set up your journal website quickly. Drag and drop facility is there for you in case you need to be made aware of HTML and CSS. Earlier themes were not easy to change as they required many template files. A recent upgrade has solved this problem by making template files stand alone.

Apart from the basic layout latest OJS allows customizing the theme as per the individual test and requirements. Many OJS Hosting Service Providers are available who can help you make your journal website more interactive and user-friendly with full customization.

Responsive Nature of OJS Theme

As mobile phone becomes the mode of internet access, the OJS website is no exception. Many researchers love accessing such websites via mobile phones, tablets, or handheld devices. These devices are of different screen sizes. So to put this variable display environment, OJS has provided responsive layout themes.

Fragmented and bifurcated stepwise procedure

The entire workflow has been divided into small parts, making it easy to work with and manage. Primarily this division consists of Accommodation {where novel requirements are entertained by affirmation or negation}, Survey {where peers check the content and revert to the creators so that they can edit the content} and Copyediting{where foreseen contents are stored for the final revision and ready to enter into the production}.

The great thing about the above-discussed steps is that each can be accessed individually and left to visit, which means jumping the sequence. This edition allows you to enroll the creator at any step for proper correction.

Dynamic User Swap

Generally, software systems are of a nature in which they do not allow the user role to change without reentering the credentials. OJS, on the other hand, allows you to change the user if you have logged in with the master credentials. This facility is very convenient for changing roles and doing tasks with rapid response. For example, you can become a reviewer and journal manager in one login. You do not require to log out from the system to change the role.

Interaction regarding publication

As you know, OJS has divided the entire journal management task into various stages named Accommodation, Survey, copyediting and production. The different user roles can collaborate via a simple messaging system during this phase. Apart from this, robust email facilities are also there for logging activity status. Peers can review each other’s work and comment also. This facility ensures that each stakeholder can take an interest in all activities. This is possible only and only due to the OJS new theme advancement.

Simple Registration

With this upgrade, enrollment in a new user’suser’s biome is very easy. The new registration form includes very few and extremely important fields to be filled in by the user. This form can be filled out by the user with no extra information. It can be submitted with handy or memorized basic information. After the form submission, new clients are informed via well formatted prescribed email.

Easy Task Assignment Mechanism

Another significant benefit of OJS is that you can swap between two different users who are experts. The swapping process is straightforward, and configuration options are available in the left sidebar. As a result, it has made the assignment of dual obligations easier.

Upgrade to the latest OJS 3.3.0-13 for New Features

You might be running a journal website on old OJS, due to which you might not have the new features. I request you to upgrade your OJS to the latest version which is OJS 3.3.0-13. Make sure that you take enough care during the upgrade because an OJS upgrade is a very complex process and demands expertise. One should take a full backup of the system before upgrading because sometimes upgrades may go wrong and data can be lost. If possible then higher experts for OJS Upgrade.

Conclusion

To wind up the discussion, I would definitely rate the current OJS version along with the discussed features on the higher side of the weight scale, as it provides extraordinary functionalities for the user. All the discussed functionality make the journal management task very efficient. I recommend upgrading to this version to maximize the new features.

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Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals?

Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journal

Recently a trend has been witnessed toward open-access journal publishing. Not only open-access journals but subscription-based journals are attracting the attention of researchers across the globe. Such growing trends are the primary reason for the eruption of novel journals. However, it is necessary to determine the credibility of the content published in a particular journal from the authors’ point of view. 

The journal’s impact factor is helping hand over here to decide whether to publish an article over here or not. One cannot say that the impact factor of a journal is a parameter that shouts for its quality. Instead, it can give a quick guide regarding the journal’s Impact throughout the last two years. The following section will define the impact factor in more detail, along with its significance.

What is the significance of the open-access journal Impact factor?  

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 8

The impact factor is widely used to assess a journal’s overall Impact and accessibilities within its domain. We will explore the significance of the journal impact factor and its importance in evaluating the quality and Impact of research.

  • The main advantage is its ability to provide research scholars and institutions with a tool for assessing the quality and Impact of published articles in a particular journal. 
  • Journals with a high impact factor are often regarded as more prestigious. They are more likely to attract high-quality research submissions and more citations and visibility in the research fraternity. This can lead to increased funding opportunities and career advancement for individual researchers. 
  • IF plays an important role in the revenue through publication charges from the author. Journals with a high impact factor often attract a larger number of submissions.
  • More articles allow a strict selective publication process and a higher quality of published research. This can help ensure that only the most relevant and impactful research is published in top-tier journals, which can ultimately benefit the scientific community.

Limitations of journal impact factor

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 9
  • The impact factor is just one of many metrics used to determine the Impact of published research work. It should not be used as the only measure of scholarly merit. 
  • Some critics argue that using the impact factor to measure research quality and Impact can be misleading and encourage researchers to focus more on publishing in high-impact journals rather than pursuing innovative and impactful research.
  • IF is based on the number of citations received by a journal during a specific period, which may not necessarily reflect the true Impact of the research published in that journal. 
  • Additionally, the impact factor can vary widely depending on the discipline and the journal’s specialization, and it may not always accurately reflect the quality or Impact of the research published in that journal.

The journal impact factor remains an important metric for evaluating the quality and Impact of research, particularly in fields where the number of citations is a reliable indicator of research impact. 

What is Impact Factor?

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 10
  • The journal’s impact factor measures the influence and importance of a scientific journal in a particular field. Originally designed for the librarian to get enough insights into the journal very quickly. The impact factor helps the librarian decide whether the journal can be included in the monthly/quarterly self. 
  • Journal’s impact factor is a numeric indicator achieved via a standard and well-accepted mathematical formula that directly targets the whole journal rather than the individual published article within that journal.
  • It is calculated based on the average number of citations received by articles published in that journal during a specific period. It is commonly used as a metric to evaluate the quality and reputation of a journal. Researchers, institutions, and funding agencies often use it to assess the research output and Impact of individual scientists or research groups.
  • The impact factor does not answer the question: Is the journal good or bad? Instead, it provides an idea to the researcher based on the “citations” of the published articles within that journal. 
  • Let me put it in a very simple way: Impact factor of the journal, derive some number which shows how frequently and so far how many times the articles published, get cited by the researchers across the globe. As a result, the impact factor pushes the ball into the researchers’ court to decide whether the journal is good or bad based on how many times published articles get references from other researchers.
  • Ultimately, researchers can have an idea from the impact factor that articles from the journal are getting more or less attention from other scholars, which indeed speaks about the quality of the published article. If overall articles are getting good attention, then this journal is good; if vice versa, then the journal is not so trustworthy for scholarly publication. 

Define the impact factor in mathematical form

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 11

Impact Factor of Journal X= Y/Z.

Where, 

Y = The Total Number of Citations Received by all Articles Published during a Specific Period (usually two years) }

Z = The total number of articles published in that same period. 

Let’s understand by real-time example with proper numbers:

Suppose Journal X receives a total of 1000 citations for two years.

Journal X has published 500 articles in these two years.

So, We have the values: 

Y = 3000

Z = 500

So, the impact factor of journal X = Y/Z => X = 3000/500 => X= 6 

The impact factor can vary widely among different scientific fields, and a higher impact factor does not necessarily indicate the quality of the research or the journal. Additionally, the impact factor can be influenced by factors such as the size of the research community, the citation practices of different fields, and the popularity of certain research topics.

Despite these limitations, the impact factor remains a widely recognized and widely used metric for evaluating the Impact and influence of scientific journals. However, it is important to use this metric in conjunction with other factors, such as the quality of the research and the relevance of the journal to a particular field, when deciding where to publish or how to evaluate the research impact.

What is the Good Impact Factor of a Journal?

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 12

Suppose you are in search of a direct answer to this question. In that case, I apologize for not being able to provide a straightforward answer to your question, as it depends on the academic discipline and the journal’s specialization. Generally, a highly impactful journal is more likely to receive greater recognition and citations than other journals within the same field or discipline.

So, if you compare the impact factors of two journals in the same field, you may say that the journal having a higher impact factor than the second one is a good impact factor.

For example: 

We have two journals, A & B belonging to the same field, C, and they have impact factors as shown below:

Journal A has an Impact factor for a particular time instance = 2.5

Journal B has an Impact factor for a particular time instance = 1.7

Then, one can comment;

  • Journal A has a Good Impact factor. 
  • At the same time, it is not valid to say that Journal B has a bad impact factor. 
  • Journal A impact factor is better than Journal B’s. In other words, articles from journal A acquire more citations in a certain period than those published in journal B.

What is the Bad Impact Factor of a Journal?

Why Impact Factor is necessary for Open Access Journals? 13

As discussed in the above section, concluding that a particular journal has a “bad” impact factor is very difficult. You already know that the impact factor is achieved via some mathematical formula representing comparative illustration rather than absolute decision-making.

However, a certain threshold has been derived to determine the valid, acceptable impact factor value. Journal can have an impact factor starting from 0. This means the “0 impact factor” journal has no citation during the calculation period. 

By looking at the above paragraph discussion, one can comment:

Journal having a “0” impact factor has no citation, and its impact factor can be termed as “Not Good (Remember not bad)”.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the journal impact factor is a widely used metric for evaluating the quality and Impact of research published in a particular journal. It provides researchers, academics, and institutions with a standardized measure of research influence and can help promote transparency and accountability in the publication process. However, it is important to note that the impact factor is just one of many metrics used to evaluate the quality and Impact of research and should not be used as the sole measure of scholarly merit. 

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What Does the OJS Server Requirement Necessarily Involve?

OJS Server Requirement

Open Journal Systems (OJS) is an open-source software that is widely used for managing and publishing scholarly journals. OJS provides a flexible and customizable platform that allows editors, reviewers, authors, and readers to collaborate and share their research in a streamlined and accessible manner. However, to use OJS effectively, it is essential to understand the server requirements and other technical considerations involved in setting up and maintaining the software.

In this blog, we will explore the OJS server requirements, including the necessary components and optional considerations such as OJS themes, OJS hosting, and PKP OJS themes. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to install, configure, and customize OJS to meet your journal’s unique needs. In case you know about the OJS in detail, then read the section below, otherwise, skip it.

What is Open Journal System (OJS)?

Open Journal Systems (OJS) is an open-source software platform for managing and publishing scholarly journals. The Public Knowledge Project (PKP), a non-profit organization based at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada, developed it. It is designed to assist with every stage of the journal publishing process, from submission and peer review to archiving and indexing. 

What Does the OJS Server Requirement Necessarily Involve? 14

OJS provides various tools for editors, authors, and reviewers, including a submission and peer-review system, an editorial workflow, and a publishing platform. It also includes features like indexing, archiving, and multiple languages and currencies support.

The platform is already a home for more than 10000 scholarly open-access journals worldwide. Its open-source nature allows it to be modified per user tests and requirements.

Now that you know about the OJS, let’s address the core part of the discussion in the next section.  

OJS Server Requirements

server requirement

The OJS software has several technical requirements that must be met to install and run the system effectively. Some of the most important requirements include:

– Web Server: 

web server

The first requirement for OJS is a web server that can host the software. Apache, Nginx, and IIS are some of the most popular web servers used with OJS. The web server should support PHP 7. x or later versions and have a MySQL or PostgreSQL database management system.

– PHP Modules:

php modules

OJS relies on several PHP modules to function correctly, including PDO, PDO_MySQL, GD, XML, and mastering. The PHP modules can be installed using the package manager or manually by adding the modules to the PHP configuration file.

– Disk Space:

disk space

OJS requires sufficient disk space to store the software, data, and backups. The amount of disk space needed will depend on the size of the journal and the amount of content it publishes. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 1 GB of disk space for a small journal, while larger journals may need several GB of disk space.

Command Line Interface (CLI):

command line interface

The OJS system requires access to the command line interface (CLI) to perform tasks such as upgrading the system and running scheduled tasks. The CLI should be enabled on the server and accessible to the user who will be administering the OJS system.

– SSL Certificate:

SSL certificate

OJS can be accessed over HTTP or HTTPS protocols. However, it is recommended to use HTTPS to ensure the security of user data and communications. To enable HTTPS, you will need to obtain and install a valid SSL certificate for the domain where the OJS system is hosted.

These are the basic technical requirements for installing and running OJS. However, there are also many optional components and considerations that can enhance the functionality and usability of the system. Let’s explore some of these options below.

OJS Themes

One of the most significant advantages of OJS is its ability to customize the look and feel of the journal using themes. OJS provides several built-in themes that can be customized to match the journal’s branding and design requirements. However, there are also many third-party themes available from the PKP website and other sources.

ojs theme

To use a third-party theme, you will need to ensure that it is compatible with your version of OJS and that you have the necessary permissions and skills to customize and maintain it. Many themes require some technical expertise to install and configure, so it is essential to seek help from experienced OJS users or support providers if needed.

There are also many commercial OJS Themes available that offer more advanced features and customization options. These themes are typically easier to install and come with dedicated support and documentation. However, they may also involve additional costs and licensing fees, depending on the provider.

OJS Hosting

Another important consideration when setting up OJS is the hosting environment. While OJS can be installed on a local server or virtual machine, many journals choose to use a hosting service that specializes in OJS. These hosting providers offer pre-configured server environments that are optimized for OJS, ensuring high performance and reliability.

ojs hosting

OJS hosting providers typically offer different levels of service, from basic shared hosting plans to dedicated server options. The choice of the hosting plan will depend on the size and complexity of the journal and the expected traffic and usage patterns. Some hosting providers also offer managed-to-host plans that include ongoing maintenance and support for the OJS system, reducing the burden on journal editors and administrators.

When choosing an OJS Hosting provider, it is essential to consider several factors, including server specifications, uptime guarantees, security measures, backup and recovery options, and technical support. It is also a good idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other OJS users to ensure that you choose a reputable and reliable hosting provider.

PKP OJS Themes

Finally, it is worth mentioning the PKP OJS themes, which are a set of themes developed by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP), the organization that created and maintains the OJS software. The PKP OJS themes are designed to be highly customizable and are built using modern web technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3.

The PKP OJS themes include several pre-built themes that can be easily customized using a web-based theme editor or by modifying the theme files directly. The themes are designed to be responsive, ensuring that the journal content is accessible and readable on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

In addition to the pre-built themes, the PKP OJS themes also provide a theme development framework that allows developers to create custom themes from scratch. The framework includes a set of reusable components and styles that can be used to build highly customized and unique themes.

Conclusion

In summary, OJS is a powerful and flexible software that can help journals manage and publish their content online. However, to use OJS effectively, it is essential to understand the technical requirements and considerations involved in setting up and maintaining the software. These requirements include the web server, PHP modules, disk space, command line interface, and SSL certificate.

Additionally, there are many optional components and considerations, such as OJS themes, OJS hosting, and PKP OJS themes, that can enhance the functionality and usability of the system. By taking the time to understand and implement these components effectively, journals can create a professional and engaging online presence that enhances their reputation and visibility in the academic community.

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The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Open-Access Journals

Open Access Journal
Open Access Journal

Open access (OA) publishing refers to the practice of making research articles freely available online, without paywalls or other restrictions. While traditional subscription-based publishing models have been dominant in the past, the popularity of open-access journals has grown significantly in recent years. This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of open-access journals, discussing why this publishing model is gaining traction and the potential challenges it poses. If you want a straight definition for the elephant in the room then please spare 1 minute to read the following sub-section.

What Is Open Access Journal?

What Is Open Access Journal?

An open-access journal is a type of academic publication that provides free and unrestricted access to its content. This means that readers can access, read, download, and share articles published in open-access journals without having to pay any subscription fees or access barriers. Open-access journals are available online and are often funded by author fees, institutional subsidies, or sponsorships. This type of publication model allows for greater dissemination of research, as it enables anyone with an internet connection to access the articles. Open-access journals have become increasingly popular in academia, as Open Access Features help to democratize knowledge and promote wider access to research.

Advantages of Open-Access Journals

  • Accessibility
Accessibility

One of the main benefits of open access journals is that they increase accessibility to scientific research. In the traditional publishing model, readers must pay for access to articles, which can be prohibitively expensive for individuals and institutions that lack funding. This can create barriers to knowledge dissemination, particularly for those working in developing countries or with limited financial resources. By contrast, open-access journals make research freely available to anyone with an internet connection, breaking down these barriers and allowing a wider audience to access scientific knowledge. 

  • Collaboration
Collaboration

Open-access journals can lead to greater innovation and collaboration in research. By making research findings freely available, researchers from different disciplines and countries can access and build upon each other’s work, leading to new discoveries and innovations.

  • Fake News avoidance
Fake News avoidance

Open-access publishing can help to address the problem of scientific misinformation and fake news. By making research findings freely available, open-access journals can help to counteract misinformation and promote evidence-based decision-making. This is particularly important in fields such as public health, where accurate information can be a matter of life and death.

  • Increased visibility and impact
Increased visibility and impact

Another advantage of open-access publishing is that it can increase the visibility and impact of research. Open-access articles are often more widely read and cited than those published in traditional subscription-based journals. This is because open-access articles are searchable and available through a variety of online databases and repositories, making it easier for researchers to find and cite them in their own work. Additionally, open-access publishing can increase the public visibility of research, helping to build connections between scientific research and the broader community.

  • Faster publication times
Faster publication times

Open-access journals are often able to publish articles more quickly than traditional journals. This is because they do not have to wait for print runs or other distribution channels, which can significantly delay publication times. Additionally, open-access journals may have more streamlined peer review processes, enabling faster turnaround times for article publication.

  • Promotion of Social Justice
Promotion of Social Justice

Finally, open-access publishing can promote social justice and equity by removing financial barriers to access. This is particularly important in the context of scientific research, where access to information and resources can be critical for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, and social inequality. By making research freely available, open-access journals can help to ensure that scientific knowledge is available to all, regardless of their financial resources or geographic location.

  • Cost savings
Cost savings

Open-access publishing can also save money for researchers and institutions. Traditional publishing models require authors to pay for article processing charges (APCs) or other fees to publish their work, in addition to subscription fees paid by readers. By contrast, open-access journals often have lower or no APCs, making it more affordable for researchers to publish their work. Additionally, open-access publishing can reduce costs for libraries and other institutions that subscribe to scientific journals.

  • Social and ethical benefits
Social and ethical benefits

Finally, open-access publishing can have important social and ethical benefits. By making research freely available, open-access journals can help to address inequalities in knowledge access and distribution. This can promote social justice and equity, particularly in developing countries or other communities that have historically been excluded from scientific knowledge production. Additionally, open-access publishing can support open science practices, encouraging greater transparency and collaboration in scientific research.

Drawbacks of Open-Access Journals

High Article Processing Charges (APCs)

High Article Processing Charges (APCs)

One of the main drawbacks of open-access publishing is that many open-access journals charge high article processing charges (APCs) for authors to publish their work. These fees can be prohibitively expensive for researchers who are not affiliated with large institutions or who do not have access to funding. This can create a financial barrier to entry for some researchers, limiting the diversity of voices and perspectives in academic research.

Potential for Lower Editorial Standards

Potential for Lower Editorial Standards

Because open-access journals are often newer and less established than traditional journals, they may not have the same level of quality control or rigorous peer review. This can lead to lower-quality research being published and a lack of credibility in the field. In addition, some open-access publishers have been known to engage in predatory practices, such as charging exorbitant fees for low-quality or even fake journals.

Concerns about Plagiarism and Intellectual Property

Concerns about Plagiarism and Intellectual Property

Because open-access journals make research freely available, there is a risk that others may copy or misuse the work without proper attribution or permission. This can be particularly concerning for researchers working in sensitive or confidential areas, such as medical or defense research. In addition, there may be concerns about who owns the intellectual property rights to open-access research, and whether researchers will receive appropriate credit and compensation for their work.

Lack of Long-Term Preservation and Archiving

Lack of Long-Term Preservation and Archiving

Traditional publishers often invest in the long-term preservation of their content, ensuring that it remains accessible and usable for future generations. However, many open-access journals do not have the same level of resources or commitment to preservation, which can lead to data loss or decay over time. This can be particularly concerning for researchers who are working on long-term projects or who need to access older research for their work.

Lower Status or Prestige

Lower Status or Prestige

Open-access journals may not be recognized or valued in the same way as traditional journals. This can impact the career prospects and opportunities for researchers who choose to publish in open-access journals. In some cases, publishing in an open-access journal may be seen as a lower-status or less prestigious option, which can be detrimental to a researcher’s career.

Potential Bias or Political Influence

Potential Bias or Political Influence

Because open-access publishing allows anyone to access and publish research, there is a risk that certain viewpoints or perspectives may dominate the field. In addition, some governments or organizations may use open-access publishing as a way to promote their own agendas or suppress certain viewpoints, which can be detrimental to scientific progress and knowledge.

Quality Concerns

Quality concerns

One of the main drawbacks of open-access publishing is the perception that the quality of research may be compromised. Because open-access journals often have lower barriers to publication, there is a concern that they may be more likely to publish lower-quality research or engage in predatory publishing practices. While this is a legitimate concern, it is important to note that many open-access journals have rigorous peer review processes and editorial standards that ensure the quality of published work.

Sustainability Concerns

Sustainability concerns

Another challenge for open-access journals is sustainability. Because open-access journals do not rely on subscription fees to support their operations, they must find other sources of funding. This can be challenging, particularly for smaller or independent journals that may not have access to institutional support or grant funding. Some open-access journals have turned to article processing charges or other fees to support their operations, but this can create challenges for researchers who may be unable to afford these costs.

Publishing Biases

Publishing biases

Another potential drawback of open-access publishing is the risk of publishing biases. Because open-access journals are often more focused on accessibility and speed of publication. This nature allows anyone to access and publish research, there is a risk that certain viewpoints or perspectives may dominate the field, leading to bias in the literature. This can be particularly concerning in fields where there is controversy or disagreement, as certain perspectives may be overrepresented or underrepresented in the research. In addition, there may be a bias towards publishing research that is seen as “novel” or “exciting,” rather than research that is well-designed and rigorously conducted. This can lead to a focus on flashy or attention-grabbing research, rather than research that is truly groundbreaking or important.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, open-access journals offer several benefits to authors, readers, and the scientific community as a whole, including increased visibility and accessibility, the potential for greater impact and collaboration, and reduced financial barriers to accessing research. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as the potential for lower quality control, predatory publishing practices, and lack of funding for open-access publication fees. As the demand for open access continues to grow, it is important for stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and ensure that open-access publishing remains a sustainable and ethical practice that benefits everyone involved.

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OJS 2 vs OJS 3: Understanding the Differences and Benefits

open journal system
ojs 2 vs ojs 3

Academic publishing has many different software options for managing your journal. The most famous open-source software for establishing online open-access journals is Open Journal Systems (OJS). So far, PKP has released three main versions of this platform: OJS 1, OJS 2 & OJS 3. OJS 1 is outdated, and currently, no one is using it though OJS 2 and OJS 3 are ongoing versions. Both are practical tools for managing academic journals; some critical differences may make a better choice for your particular needs. In this article, we’ll compare OJS 2 and OJS 3 to help you decide which is better for boosting your journals in 2023.

First, let’s start with a brief overview of what an Open Journal System is and what it can do for your journal.

So, What is Open Journal System (OJS)?

Open Journal System

An Open Journal System is an open-source software program designed to help publishers manage the editorial process for academic journals. With Open Journal System, you can manage the submission and review process, handle peer review, publish articles online, and more. It’s a powerful tool that can help streamline your editorial process and make it easier to publish high-quality academic research.

It is a free, open-source software platform widely used for managing and publishing academic journals. It is designed to provide an all-in-one solution for managing the editorial process, publishing articles, and distributing content to readers. 

Open Journal System 2 vs. Open Journal System 3: What’s the Difference?

There are currently two main versions of the Open Journal System in use: OJS 2 and OJS 3. This section will detail the differences between OJS 2 and OJS 3.

1. User Interface

User Interface

OJS 3 has a more modern, user-friendly interface, cleaner design, and intuitive navigation. It is also designed to be mobile-responsive, meaning it can be accessed and used on various devices, including smartphones and tablets. OJS 3 has a more modern, user-friendly interface than OJS 2. The dashboard is more intuitive, making navigating the system easier for editors, authors, and reviewers. 

In contrast, OJS 2 has a more dated interface that can be somewhat clunky and difficult to navigate, especially on mobile devices.

2. Performance

open journal system performance

OJS 3 is generally faster and more reliable than OJS 2, with better support for large volumes of content and more efficient code. This means that journals using Open Journal System 3 can offer users a smoother and more seamless experience, with faster page load times and fewer errors or delays. 

In contrast, OJS 2 can be slower and more prone to crashes or other technical issues, especially when handling large amounts of content or traffic.

3. Plugins and Themes

open journal system plugins

One of the key advantages of Open Journal System (OJS) 3 over Open Journal System (OJS) 2 is its wider selection of plugins and themes. OJS 3 has a more active development community, which means more plugins and themes are available to customize and enhance your journal’s functionality and appearance. 

See Exciting OJS Themes & OJS Plugins

This can include plugins for managing author submissions, integrating with social media or other external services, and providing advanced analytics or reporting features. Additionally, OJS 3 offers a more flexible theming system, allowing you to easily customize your journal’s appearance without modifying the underlying code.

4. Security

ojs security

OJS 3 offers several security improvements over OJS 2. For example, it uses the latest version of PHP, which has better security features and fewer vulnerabilities. OJS 3 includes more advanced user authentication and authorization features, which can help prevent unauthorized access to your journal’s content or data. OJS 3 also offers better data encryption and privacy features, which can help protect sensitive information about your authors and reviewers.

5. Technical Support

ojs support

It’s important to note that OJS 2 is no longer being actively developed or supported by the developers of OJS. This means that if you run into technical issues or have questions about using the software, you may be unable to get help or support. In contrast, OJS 3 is actively developed and supported. You can access documentation, user forums, and other resources to help you troubleshoot problems or get assistance using the software. 

6. Migration

ojs miration

While OJS 3 is a new and improved version of OJS 2, it’s not a simple upgrade. Migrating from OJS 2 to OJS 3 requires some effort and technical know-how, so it’s important to consider this before switching.

Which is Better for Boosting Your Journals in 2023?

ojs performance booster

Now that we’ve covered some key differences between OJS 2 and OJS 3, the question is: which is better for boosting your journals in 2023?

In general, OJS 3 is the better choice. While OJS 2 has been a reliable tool for managing academic journals for many years, it’s no longer being actively developed or supported. This means that if you continue to use OJS 2, you may miss out on new features and improvements being added to OJS 3. In addition, OJS 3 has a more modern, user-friendly interface, is faster and more reliable, and is designed to be mobile-responsive. The wider selection of plugins and themes gives you more options for customizing your journal’s appearance and functionality.

That being said, it’s important to consider the effort and technical knowledge required to migrate from OJS 2 to OJS 3. If you have a large archive of content, a complex setup, or limited technical resources, it may not be feasible to switch to OJS 3 right away. In this case, it may be worth sticking with OJS 2 for the time being and planning for migration in the future.

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OJS Services

Conclusion

In conclusion, OJS 3 is generally the better choice for boosting your journals in 2023 than OJS 2. It has a more modern interface, is faster and more reliable, and is designed to be mobile-responsive. It also has a broader selection of plugins and themes, which gives you more options for customizing your journal’s appearance and functionality. Additionally, since OJS 2 is no longer being actively developed or supported, choosing OJS 3 ensures that you won’t miss out on new features and improvements.

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How to Merge Two Journals with One OJS (Open Journal System)

Merge OJS Journals

Open Journal Systems (OJS) is an open-source software for managing and publishing scholarly journals. It is a comprehensive system that provides various features, such as article submission, review, editing, and publishing. If you are a journal editor or publisher with more than one journal on Open Journal Systems (OJS), you may want to merge them into a single platform. Merging journals into a single Open Journal Systems (OJS) installation has several advantages, such as reducing maintenance costs, improving user experience, and increasing efficiency. This article will guide you through merging a journal with another Open Journal System (OJS).

Steps to Merge Journals on a single Open Journal System (OJS):

Step 1: Back up your data

Back up your data

Before merging your journals, it is essential to back up your data to prevent data loss. You should back up all the data related to your journal, such as articles, issues, submissions, reviews, and user accounts.

To back up your data, go to your Open Journal System (OJS) administration dashboard, and click “Tools” in the left-hand side menu. Then, select “Backup” from the drop-down menu. Select all the options related to your data on the backup page and click on the “Backup” button. Your data will be downloaded as a compressed file in the “public” folder of your Open Journal System (OJS) installation. Make sure to keep this file safe and secure.

Step 2: Install the new OJS

Install the new OJS

To merge a journal to another Open Journal System (OJS), you need to install a new OJS platform where you will merge your journals. You can install OJS on the same server as your existing OJS or on a different server.

You can download the latest version of Open Journal Systems (OJS) from the official website (https://pkp.sfu.ca/ojs/). Once you have downloaded the installation package, extract it to a folder on your server. Then, create a new database for the new Open Journal Systems (OJS) and configure the Open Journal Systems (OJS) installation by following the installation instructions.

Step 3: Export your data

Export your data

The next step is to export your data from your existing OJS installation. To export your data, log in to your OJS administration dashboard and click “Tools” in the left-hand side menu. Then, select “Import/Export” from the drop-down menu. On the Import/Export page, select the “Native XML Plugin” and click on the “Export” button. This will export all your journal data in a single XML file. Save this file to a safe location on your computer.

Step 4: Import your data

Import your data

After exporting your data, the next step is to import your data into the new OJS installation. To import your data, log in to your new OJS administration dashboard and click “Tools” in the left-hand side menu. Then, select “Import/Export” from the drop-down menu. On the Import/Export page, select the “Native XML Plugin” and click on the “Import” button.

This will open the import page where you can upload the XML file you exported from your existing OJS installation. Once you have uploaded the file, click the “Import” button to start the import process. This may take some time, depending on the size of your data. Once the import is complete, you should see all your journal data in the new OJS installation.

Step 5: Merge your journals

Merge your journals

Now that you have your data in the new OJS installation merging your journals is next. To merge your journals, go to the “Journal Manager” page in the new OJS administration dashboard. On this page, you should see all your journals listed. To merge your journals, select the journal that you want to merge with another journal and click on the “Edit” button. On the “Edit Journal” page, go to the “Journal Information

Important: Merging journals into a single open journal system (OJS) must be carried out under expert supervision. We don’t take any responsibility for any mishap caused by the steps mentioned in this blog.

What care should be taken during the merging process?

OJS care

Merging two journals hosted on different Open Journal Systems (OJS) into a single OJS installation requires careful planning and execution to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth transition. Here are some of the key considerations that you should keep in mind when merging two journals into a single OJS:

  • Check compatibility: Before merging two journals, ensure that the version of OJS used in both journals is compatible with the version of OJS used in the new OJS installation. While exporting/importing the data, you may face issues if the versions are incompatible. Check the compatibility by referring to the OJS documentation or consulting with the OJS support team.
  • Plan the merging process: Plan the process carefully to ensure you do not lose any important data. Create a detailed plan that outlines the steps involved in the merging process and assign responsibilities to the relevant team members. The plan should include steps for exporting and importing data and merging the data into a single OJS installation.
  • Back up all data: Before you start the merging process, it is essential to back up all the data related to your journals. Back up all articles, issues, submissions, reviews, user accounts, and other data related to your journals. This will ensure that you have a copy of all your data in case something goes wrong during the merging process.
  • Test the import process: Before you start importing the data, test the import process with a small sample of data to ensure that the process works correctly. This will help you identify any issues that may arise during the import process and take corrective action before you import all the data.
  • Verify the imported data: Once you have imported it, it is essential to verify the imported data to ensure it has been imported correctly. Check all the articles, issues, submissions, reviews, and user accounts to ensure they have been imported correctly. If you find any issues, resolve them before proceeding with the merging process.
  • Merge the data: Once you have verified the imported data, it is time to merge it into a single OJS installation. Merge the data according to your plan, ensuring all data is merged correctly. Depending on the amount of data you are merging, this may take some time.
  • Reconfigure the new OJS installation: After merging the data, you need to reconfigure the new OJS installation to reflect the merged data. Configure the settings of the new OJS installation to reflect the settings of the original journals, such as journal settings, email templates, and publication schedules.
  • Test the new OJS installation: Once you have reconfigured the new OJS installation, test it thoroughly to ensure it works correctly. Test all the features of the new OJS installation, such as article submission, review, and publishing, to ensure that they work as expected.

Merging two journals hosted on different Open Journal Systems (OJS) into a single OJS installation requires careful planning and execution to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth transition. By following the above-mentioned considerations, you can ensure that the merging process is executed correctly and that your new OJS installation works correctly.

Advantages of merging the journals to a single OJS

Advantages of merging the journals

Merging two journals hosted on different Open Journal Systems (OJS) into a single OJS installation has several advantages. Here are some of the key advantages of merging two journals into a single OJS:

  • Increased efficiency: By merging two journals into a single OJS installation, you can increase your efficiency by streamlining your editorial and publishing processes. This can reduce the time and effort required to manage multiple journals on different OJS installations, leading to increased productivity and reduced administrative overhead.
  • Improved visibility: Merging two journals into a single OJS installation can help improve the visibility of your publications. By consolidating your journals into a single platform, you can attract more readers and increase your visibility in the academic community.
  • Improved quality control: You can improve your quality control processes by consolidating your journals into a single OJS installation. This can help ensure that all published content meets the highest quality standards, leading to a better reputation and higher impact.
  • Easier collaboration: Merging two journals into a single OJS installation can facilitate easier collaboration between editors, reviewers, and authors. This can help foster a more collaborative and supportive community of scholars, leading to increased engagement and a more vibrant academic community.
  • Cost savings: Consolidating your journals into a single OJS installation can help reduce costs associated with managing multiple journals on different OJS installations. This can include costs associated with hosting, maintenance, and technical support.
  • Better user experience: By consolidating your journals into a single OJS installation, you can improve the user experience for your readers, authors, and reviewers. This can help attract and retain users, leading to increased engagement and a more vibrant community of scholars.

Cost of merging journals into single Open Journal Systems (OJS) 

cost of ojs

As far as cost is concerned, I cannot pinpoint the figure; instead can guide you on the affecting factors. Such factors are as below:

  • The size and complexity of the journals, 
  • The number of issues and articles to be merged, 
  • The amount of customization required, 
  • The expertise of the team handling the merging process.

If you are wondering about the direct technical cost ( these costs can vary widely depending on the specific needs of the project and the service provider chosen) factors, they could be as follows.

ojs website hosting
  • Web Hosting
  • Software Licensing
  • Technical Support
  • The Time and Resources required to plan and execute the merging process
  • Data Migration
  • Reconfiguration of settings and Customization
  • Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Retraining Staff and Users

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merge ojs journals

Conclusion

Merging journals into a single Open Journal System (OJS) installation can benefit journals and authors with a streamlined workflow, reduced costs, increased visibility, and access to a larger audience. It also enables cross-journal searching and browsing. However, the process is complex and requires careful planning and management. Ultimately, deciding to merge journals should be based on considering the benefits, challenges, and needs of the communities involved.

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Create Free Custom OJS Themes for a Unique Journal Look

OJS themes

Welcome to this step-by-step guide on how to make custom OJS themes. OJS is a popular open-source platform used by many scholarly journals for managing their publications. While OJS offers a range of default themes, creating a custom theme can help give your journal a unique and professional look and better reflect your journal’s identity. This blog will also address the need for custom OJS themes in detail.

This guide will take you through creating custom OJS themes, starting with setting up your development environment, creating a basic theme, and customizing your theme to meet your journal’s specific needs.

By the end of this guide, you will understand the tools and techniques needed to create custom OJS themes. Moreover, you can create great OJS themes that provide a better user experience for your authors and readers.

Steps to create custom OJS themes

Creating a custom theme in Open Journal Systems can be a rewarding and worthwhile investment for any journal editor or publisher. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a theme that looks great and enhances the user experience for your authors and readers. So why not see what you can create by following the below step?

Steps to create custom OJS themes

Step 1: Create a new directory for your theme

Create a new directory for your theme
  • The first step in creating custom OJS themes is to create a new directory for your theme. 
  • This directory will contain all the files and assets that make up your theme. 
  • Navigate to the plugins/themes directory of your OJS installation and create a new directory for your theme. 
  • Give your theme directory a unique and descriptive name that reflects your journal’s identity.

Step 2: Create the necessary files

Create the necessary files
  • After creating your theme directory, you need to create the necessary files that make up your theme. 
  • At a minimum, your theme should have index.php and style.css files.
  • The index.php file is the main file of your OJS themes, and it contains the HTML markup that defines the structure and layout of your journal pages. 
  • You can use HTML and OJS template tags to create your theme’s layout. 
  • OJS template tags are placeholders that get replaced with actual content when your journal pages are rendered. For example, the {$pageTitle} template tag replaces the current page’s title.
  • Here is an example index.php file that defines a simple two-column layout:
ojs index.html file
{extends file="layout.tpl"}

{block name="sidebar"}
       <div class="sidebar">{$sidebar}</div>
{/block}

{block name="content"}
       <div class="content">{$content}</div>
{/block}
  • In this example, we are extending the layout.tpl file, which is a default template file provided by OJS. We are defining two template blocks, “sidebar” and “content,” and using the {$sidebar} and {$content} template tags to render the sidebar and content of our journal pages.
  • The style.css file contains the CSS styles that control the appearance of your journal. CSS can change your journal’s fonts, colours, spacing, and other visual aspects. 
ojs style.css file
body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
background-color: #f1f1f1;
color: #333;
}

Step 3: Add your theme to OJS

Add your theme to OJS

Once you have created your OJS themes directory and files, you must add your theme to OJS.

  • Login to your OJS dashboard, 
  • Navigate to the “Website” tab, and
  • Click on “Appearance.” 
  • Find the “Installed Plugins” tab, click “Install a New Plugin,” and 
  • Upload the zip file containing your theme files.

OJS will validate your plugin and extract the files to the appropriate location. Once the installation is complete, you should see your theme in the “Installed Plugins” tab.

Step 4: Activate your theme

Activate your theme
  • After installing your theme, you must activate it to use it in your journal. 
  • In the “Installed Plugins” tab, you should see your theme listed with an “Enable” button next to it. Click on the “Enable” button to activate your theme.
  • Once your theme is enabled, it will be used as the default theme for your journal. 
  • You can customize your theme further by editing the index.php and style.css files and adding new template files.

Step 5: Customize your OJS themes

Customize your OJS themes

After activating your theme, you can customize it to make it unique and better reflect your journal’s identity. Here are some tips for customizing your theme:

  • Add a custom logo and favicon: You can replace the default OJS logo and favicon with your custom logo and favicon. To do this, replace the public/favicon.ico and public/images/ojs_logo.png files with the files in your theme directory.
  • Change the colour scheme: You can change the colours used in your theme by editing the style.css file. Look for the CSS rules that set the colours for various elements, such as the background, font, link, etc. You can use a tool like Color Hunt or Adobe Color to find a colour scheme that works well for your journal.
  • Modify the layout: You can modify the layout of your theme by editing the index.php file. You can add or remove template blocks, rearrange the position of blocks, or change the HTML markup to create a custom layout that meets your journal’s needs.
  • Add custom fonts: You can add custom fonts to your theme by including the font files in your theme directory and referencing them in the style.css file using the @font-face rule. You can use Google Fonts to find free, easy-to-use web fonts that work well with your theme.
  • Add custom images and icons: You can add them to your theme to make it more visually appealing. You can use free icon sets like Font Awesome or Ionicons or create your icons using Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
  • Create custom templates: You can create custom templates to override the default templates provided by OJS. For example, you can create a custom template for the homepage, the article page, or the author page and customize the layout and content of these pages to better meet your journal’s needs.
  • Test your theme: After making changes to your theme, it’s important to test it to ensure everything looks and works as expected. You can use the preview feature in the OJS dashboard to preview your theme on various pages and devices or use a tool like BrowserStack to test your theme on different browsers and operating systems.

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Why are custom OJS themes important?

Why are custom OJS themes important?

OJS offers a range of default themes, and customizing the theme can be beneficial for several reasons, as stated below.

  • Branding: Customizing the theme allows the journal to create a unique brand identity. This helps in building recognition and trust among the readers and authors.
  • User experience: Customizing the theme can significantly improve the user experience. A well-designed theme can make the website easy to navigate, reducing users’ time to find what they want.
  • Functionality: Customizing the theme can add functionalities that may not be present in the default theme. This can improve the website’s capabilities and the user experience.
  • Personalization: A custom theme can allow the journal to personalize the website’s appearance and functionality. This can help create a more user-friendly environment that caters to the users’ needs.
  • Compatibility: Customizing the theme can ensure compatibility with different devices, browsers, and operating systems. This can provide a seamless experience for users across different platforms.

Are Custom OJS themes safe?

Are Custom OJS themes safe?

Open Journal System (OJS) custom themes are generally safe if developed and installed properly. However, some potential risks associated with custom themes need to be considered, as stated below:

  • Security: Custom themes can introduce vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, leading to security breaches. For instance, if the theme has not been developed properly, it could allow attackers to inject malicious code, leading to data breaches and other security issues.
  • Compatibility: If the custom theme has not been tested thoroughly, it could cause compatibility issues with different devices, browsers, and operating systems, leading to a poor user experience.
  • Frequent Upgrade: It is also recommended to regularly update the theme to fix any potential vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with the latest version of the OJS platform.

Ensuring the custom theme is developed by a reputable developer who follows best practices is essential to mitigate discussed risks.

Conclusion

Creating a custom theme in Open Journal Systems can be a great way to give your journal a professional and unique look. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly theme that reflects the identity of your journal. Customizing your theme can help you stand out in a crowded field of scholarly journals and provide a more engaging experience for authors and readers.

With the customization options available in OJS, you can change everything from the colour scheme and layout to the fonts and images used in your theme. Creating custom templates can also give you greater control over the appearance and functionality of your journal. By testing your theme on various devices and browsers, you can ensure it looks and works as expected for all users.

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How is Digital Object Identifier (DOI) used in the citation?

How to use DOI for Citation?
How to use DOI for Citation?

As the digital age continues transforming how we access and share information, the need for effective ways to identify and reference digital objects has become increasingly important. The Digital Object Identifier is a system developed to provide a persistent link to digital objects, such as journal articles, books, and datasets. This article will explore what Digital Object Identifier (DOI) stands for, how it works, and how to refer to or cite digital objects using it.

What is a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)?

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

A Digital Object Identifier is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a digital object, such as a journal article, book, or dataset. This string provides a persistent link to the digital object, ensuring it can be found and accessed even if the web address or URL changes. This string consists of a prefix and a suffix, separated by a forward slash, that identifies the object and provides a link to it. For example, the Digital Object Identifier for the article might look like https://doi.org/10.2354/s00369-030-05722-z.

Know more about DOI.

Dissection of Digital Object Identifier or DOI Format Explanation

All DOIs begin with a 10 and contain a prefix and a suffix separated by a slash.

Who manages Digital Object Identifier (DOI)?

what is doi?

The International DOI Foundation (IDF) developed the Digital Object Identifier to provide a persistent identifier that would remain the same even if the web address or URL of the object changed. This ensures that digital objects can be found and accessed reliably over time, even if moved to a new server or web address.

Registration agencies typically do the management of Digital Object Identifier. These registration agencies assign DOIs, maintain the Digital Object Identifier database, and provide DOI resolution services to ensure that DOIs link to the correct digital objects.

crossref doi

Some major registration agencies for DOIs include Crossref, DataCite, and mEDRA. These organizations work with publishers, libraries, and other stakeholders to ensure that DOIs are assigned and used correctly and continue to function over time.

How does the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) system work?

When a digital object is assigned a DOI, it is registered with a DOI registration agency, such as Crossref or DataCite. These agencies maintain a central database of DOIs and their associated metadata, such as the object’s author, title, and publication information.

how doi works?

When a user clicks on a DOI link, their web browser sends a request to the DOI resolver, a service provided by the DOI registration agency. The resolver looks up the DOI in the central database and returns the metadata for the object. This metadata includes a link to the object, which the user can click to access.

How to get Digital Object Identifier (DOI)?

  • Determine if your content is eligible for a DOI: DOIs are typically assigned to digital content that is scholarly, research-oriented, or otherwise useful to the academic community. Content eligible for a DOI includes journal articles, conference papers, data sets, and more.
  • Identify a registration agency: Several registration agencies assign DOIs. Some of the most popular ones include CrossRef, DataCite, and mEDRA. Identify the agency that is most appropriate for your content.
  • Register for an account: To obtain a DOI, you will need to register for an account with the registration agency you have chosen. You may need to pay a fee for registration.
  • Submit metadata: Once registered, you must submit metadata about your content, such as the title, author, publisher, and publication date. The registration agency will use this metadata to create a DOI for your content.
  • Receive the DOI: After the registration agency has verified your metadata, they will assign a DOI to your content. You will receive the DOI, which you can use to link to your content.

Sometimes Digital Object Identifier is known as Crossref DOI.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and requirements for obtaining a DOI may vary depending on your chosen registration agency and the type of content you are registering for. It’s best to consult the agency’s website for more detailed instructions.

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Advantages of Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

advantages of DOI

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a persistent identifier that uniquely identifies digital objects such as scholarly articles, datasets, and other types of content. The advantages of using DOI include the following:

  • Persistent Identification: DOIs provide persistent identification of digital objects, meaning that even if the location of the digital object changes, the DOI will remain the same. This ensures that the object can always be found and accessed. DOIs provide a persistent link to digital objects, ensuring they can be accessed reliably over time. This is especially important for sources that may be moved to a new web address or URL. 
  • Improved Discoverability: DOIs make it easier for users to discover and access digital objects. They can be linked to the object and easily shared among researchers, publishers, and other stakeholders.
  • Credibility: DOIs are assigned by registration agencies, which helps establish the credibility of the digital object. They also provide metadata that can be used to establish the authorship and ownership of the object, making it easier to attribute and credit the work. DOIs provide accurate and reliable metadata for digital objects, making it easier for readers to find and access them. 
  • Increased citation tracking: DOIs can be used to track citations of digital objects, making it easier for researchers to find related works and analyze citation patterns. Using DOIs for citing sources can help to ensure that you are providing proper credit to the authors of the sources you are citing.
  • Standardization: DOIs provide a standardized way of identifying digital objects, making it easier for publishers and other stakeholders to manage and share content.
  • Interoperability: DOIs are interoperable across different platforms and systems, making it easier for researchers to access and use digital objects across different disciplines and fields.

Overall, DOIs provide a standardized, persistent, and credible way to identify and access digital objects, making it easier for researchers to find, access, and cite relevant works.

How do I refer to or cite using a DOI?

To begin, I would state that when citing sources in your research papers, it’s essential to use a consistent format that follows the guidelines of the citation style used in your field. However, most citation styles now include provisions for citing sources using DOIs.

Here is an example of how to use a DOI to cite a journal article in APA format:

Author Lastname, First Initial. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers. Doi: xx.xxxx/xxxxxxx

use of doi to cite research article

Explanation of the above example:

  • The author’s last name and first initial are listed first. 
  • Followed by the year of publication in parentheses. 
  • The article’s title is listed next.
  • Followed by the title of the journal in italics.
  • The volume and issue number are in parentheses, as are the page numbers. 
  • Finally, the DOI is listed after the page numbers, preceded by “doi:”.

Here is an example of how to use a DOI to cite a book in MLA format:

Author Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. Doi: xx.xxxx/xxxxxxx

how to use doi for book citation

Explanation of the above example:

  • The author’s last and first names are listed first, 
  • Followed by the book’s title. 
  • The publisher’s name is listed next, 
  • Followed by the year of publication. 
  • Finally, the DOI is listed after the year of publication as “doi:”.

DOIs can also be used for other digital objects like datasets and reports. When citing these types of sources, follow the specific guidelines for your citation style.

Important facts for using DOI in citation

  • If reference material has DOI, it must be included in the citation; it doesn’t matter whether you used the online or print versions.
  • If the reference material has DOI and URL both, then consider DOI only for citation purposes.
  • You can include the DOI in your reference list or citation to refer to or cite a digital object using a DOI. 
  • The DOI should be included at the end of the citation, after the page range or other publication information, and preceded by “https://doi.org/”.

Conclusion

Using DOIs to cite sources in your research papers is an effective way to provide persistent links to digital objects and to ensure that you give proper credit to the authors of your sources. By following the guidelines of your citation style and including DOIs in your citations, you can help to make your research papers more accurate and reliable for your readers.