Open Access Journal Publishing

The Libraries can host research and student journals on The ORB.  The ORB, Binghamton's institutional repository, is hosted by bepress.  There are no fees to set up a journal. Priority will be given for journals that are open access and peer-reviewed. 

The Libraries will assist with setting up the journal and will facilitate training with bepress on the use of the journal interface, submission, and editorial processes.  Once a journal has been established, the Libraries will serve as a liaison between the journal editors and bepress in order to address any issues or questions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Open-Access Electronic Journal Hosting and Distribution is required between the Libraries (publisher) and journal editors (sponsor).

Services included for journal publication include:

• Access to and training on the bepress publishing systems
• Intellectual property rights consultation
• Consultation on the migration of existing content
• Creation and management of standard identifiers (e.g., ISSN, DOIs, etc.)
• Assistance with applying to DOAJ and other indices
• Preservation of digital publications

If you are interested in setting up a journal on the ORB please contact orb@binghamton.edu

Process for Establishing a New Journal

1. The Libraries and Chief Editor(s) meet to discuss the proposed journal. Topics discussed at this first meeting may include:
   1. Review of the MOU
   2. Composition of Editorial Board
   3. Proposed frequency of publication
   4. Plans to include DOIs (digital object identifiers) for articles or data
   5. Plans for dissemination of journal
   6. Plans for having the journal indexed by DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and other publishers
2. A MOU between the libraries and editor/journal contact will be signed.
3. The Chief Editor will establish an editorial board. This may include the appointment of a Library Faculty Editor, if specified in MOU.
4. The Editors will complete bepress journal set up form
5. Editors will be trained on interface by bepress (facilitated by the Libraries).
6. The Editors will have follow-up discussions with bepress regarding branding and design mock-ups. Journals hosted on bepress will require a color scheme and a banner or cover photo.
7. The Editors will create the following documents for the journal website:
   1. Aims and scope
   2. Author guidelines and instructions
   3. Author agreement/ licensing policy
   4. Open access policy
   5. Peer review status and a publicaly available statement of the peer review process
   6. Ethics and malpractice statement
8. The Libraries will assist with the creation and management of standard identifiers (e.g., ISSN, DOIs, etc.) and will submit journal information to Ulrichweb.com
9. Journal is launched. Libraries will promote the journal on its website and social media sites.

Helpful Resources

Peer-reviewed journals in Digital Commons: These journals all use a peer-review workflow, built into Digital Commons, to ensure the highest quality research.  

OASPA and DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) Open Access Journals Toolkit:  The OA Journals Toolkit provides guidance for new and established open access journals to navigate the rapidly changing scholarly publishing landscape.

Creating Open Access Journals:  Guide created University of South Carolina Libraries.