Make it Shine: Strategies for Improving Academic Journals

Abstract

This lightning talk presents a strategy for academic journal publishing that involves editorial teams and library staff. Drawing on key lessons learned from a recent editor’s gathering, this talk will highlight best practices across the publishing lifecycle. These practices begin with developing high editorial standards based on editor training and proceed to establishing predictable publishing cycles and modernizing the journal platform for increased outreach and accessibility. The talk will focus on the development of excellent standards that span the submission, review, and publishing cycles. These include establishing predictable submission windows and article reviewer and editor timelines. They also include developing clear copyediting procedures that feature clear style guidelines such as uniform fonts and headings. These standards also emphasize predictable publishing cycles that correspond to the academic year. The presentation will also highlight increased discoverability and accessibility through enhanced metadata, indexing, and platform design. This begins with updating metadata standards that include abstracts, keywords, disciplines, and author biographies. Attendees will discover the process of integrating digital object identifiers into published articles based on the recommended publishing cycle established by the library. The presenter will discuss the process of indexing journals, from editor suggestions to contract negotiations and securing administrative approvals. The talk will also detail the process of collaborating with designers and vendors to update the user’s experience through enhanced platform options. Designed for journal editors and repository staff, attendees will receive a clear roadmap for boosting a journal’s visibility and quality within an institutional publishing program.