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Open Access Journal Publishing at Otago University: Library support

A guide to implementing an open-access journal at Otago University

Before diving into the process of setting up a journal it is a good idea to get a few things sorted in advance. This PKP document will give you guidance on what you should have in place before you approach the library, or start setting up the journal yourself.

When you are ready to start the set-up process, fill in this proposal form and submit it. After assessing your needs we will respond with a plan to implement your journal (within one week of receiving the form). We will then propose a meeting to nail down the details and get a timeframe established. 

 

 

General process

If you have decided to go with OJS for your Open Access journal we will do the following:

  1. set up a test version of the journal
  2. work with you to adapt the basic setup so it works as you want it
  3. provide training for staff who will be using the OJS platform, if required
  4. sign off on the test version - after agreement and testing
  5. migrate the test version to a live site
  6. sign off on the live site
  7. launch the journal!

 

 

Details needed for the proposal form:

Before approaching the library to set up a test site we will need the following information from you:

  1. What is the primary focus or scope of your journal?
  2. What types of content do you plan to publish?
  3. Have you already selected a name for your journal and registered a domain name? If not, what ideas do you have?
  4. What is your timeline for launching your journal?
  5. Have you selected a web hosting provider for your OJS journal? 
  6. What is your budget (if any) for setting up and maintaining your OJS journal?
  7. What user roles do you anticipate needing for your journal (e.g. editor, author, reviewer, reader)?
  8. How will you manage the editorial process (e.g. submission, peer review, editing, publishing) for your journal using OJS?
  9. How will you promote your journal and attract authors, reviewers, and readers? What marketing strategies do you plan to use?
  10. Are there any particular features or customization options in OJS that are important to you,?
  11. What challenges or concerns do you have about using the OJS platform??

These questions can help us better understand your goals and needs, and will inform how we support you as we move forward with the project.

 

Please fill in this form. It will be sent to the library automatically.

We will work with library systems staff to ensure you are on the most appropriate version of OJS. There will be periodic updates (small fixes and enhancements) and occasional upgrades (more substantial enhancements and improvements). We will notify you before we make a change to the OJS platform, and we will test the changes using the test versions of your journal before rolling them out to the live version of your journal. This will minimise disruption to your journal.