If you’re planning to submit your journal to the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) index, there are certain crucial aspects you need to pay attention to. The DOAJ index serves as a platform representing open access and quality standards for academic journals. Having your journal included in this prestigious index is a significant step towards gaining international visibility and making a broader impact within the academic community. However, it’s essential to adhere to specific criteria for your application to be accepted. Factors such as license policy, copyright policy, article count, and publication timeline will be evaluated by DOAJ. Additionally, aspects like blind peer-review process, publisher information, and plagiarism policy will also be assessed. Therefore, understanding these critical considerations and making necessary adjustments before submitting your application is vital. This guide will assist you in comprehending the essential requirements for a DOAJ application and enhance the chances of your journal’s acceptance.

• License Policy: Ensuring Open Access Alignment

Before proceeding with your DOAJ application, it’s crucial to ensure that your journal’s license policy aligns with the selected Creative Commons (CC) license in DOAJ, preferably consistent with the license policy mentioned on your journal’s website. Consistency among license policy documents is of utmost importance to demonstrate your journal’s commitment to open access.

• Copyright Policy: Clarifying Ownership and Licensing

Transparency regarding copyright policies is another important factor. Your journal’s copyright policy should clearly state who owns the copyright of the authors’ work. Ideally, the journal should indicate that the authors agree to publish their work under a specific CC license.

• Article Count and Publication Timeline: Demonstrating Journal’s Publishing Experience

DOAJ expects journals to have a minimum one-year publication history or have published at least 10 research articles and/or review papers. These additional criteria, in conjunction with DOAJ’s standard requirements, demonstrate the journal’s commitment to scholarly publishing.

• ISSN Registration: International Standard Serial Number Requirement

To apply to DOAJ, your journal must have an internationally recognized ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) registered with a relevant organization. The ISSN should be valid and recorded accordingly.

• Checking for Broken Links: Ensuring a Functional Website

It’s essential to ensure that your journal’s website does not contain broken or misleading links. Before submitting your application, thoroughly check all the links on your website and make any necessary corrections.

• Downloadable Files: Ensuring Accessible and Working Downloads

The downloadable files on your journal’s website should function correctly without any access issues. Users should be able to download these files seamlessly.

• Peer-Review Process: Maintaining Reviewer Anonymity

Provide a detailed description of your journal’s blind peer-review process. This process should ensure the anonymity of reviewers and keep authors’ identities undisclosed during the review process.

• Publisher Information: Providing Transparency and Contact Details

Present comprehensive publisher information on your journal’s website. Clearly state the publisher’s name, contact information, and website to enhance transparency and credibility.

• Plagiarism Policy: Safeguarding Academic Integrity

Outline your journal’s plagiarism policy in detail. Mention the plagiarism detection software employed, if any, to emphasize your commitment to maintaining the integrity of scholarly work.

By paying attention to these considerations and following DOAJ’s guidelines during the application process, you increase the likelihood of your journal’s acceptance. If your initial application is rejected, take into account the feedback provided by DOAJ, address any shortcomings, and reapply accordingly.

Remember, successfully joining the DOAJ index can significantly elevate your journal’s visibility, broaden its reach, and strengthen its standing within the academic community.

If you intend to set up a journal or transfer your current journal to a platform that conforms to global regulations, feel free to reach out to us.