Launching a peer-reviewed scientific journal is an important step for any university, college, or scientific society seeking to establish its research presence. And the system OJS (Open Journal Systems) is the global standard for managing these journals electronically. In this guide, we explain the practical steps to create your journal from scratch until indexing.
1. Planning and defining the journal's identity
Start by defining the journal's precise specialization, publishing language, publication frequency (quarterly, semi-annual…), and its editorial policy. Clarity on these points later facilitates your acceptance into indexing databases.
2. Obtaining ISSN numbering
Apply to obtain the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) from the competent national authority. You often need a separate number for the electronic version (e-ISSN).
3. Installing and hosting the OJS system
It is installed OJS on reliable and fast hosting. Choosing high-performance hosting is important because the platform's slowness drives away researchers and reviewers. We recommend an environment specially configured for OJS with backup and protection.
4. Journal design and section setup
Design a professional visual identity responsive to mobile, create the journal's sections, and define the team: editor-in-chief, editorial board, and reviewers.
5. Setting up the peer review workflow
Activate the double-blind review mechanism within OJS, with clear evaluation forms and a timeline for the stages — and this is the essence of your journal's credibility.
6. Publishing and DOI numbering
Publish the first issue and link your research to DOI identifiers via Crossref to facilitate citation and permanent access to research.
7. Applying for international indexing
After issuing regular issues according to the standards, apply for indexing in databases such as DOAJ and then Scopus. Check out our guide: How to get your journal indexed in Scopus and DOAJ.
Do you want to launch your academic journal professionally?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does an academic journal need to be created on OJS?
It usually ranges between two weeks and six weeks depending on the design, the size of the editorial setup, and migration, and a specialized team can speed that up.
Do I need technical experience to manage an OJS journal?
No, after setup and training the editorial board can manage the system easily, with technical support available when needed.
What is the difference between ISSN and DOI?
ISSN is an identifier for the journal as a whole, while DOI is a permanent identifier for each individual paper that ensures it is accessed and cited accurately.