Indian Journal Server Initiative

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Indian Journal Server Initiative
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Problems with Indian journals

• Poor visibility

Second-choice for authors
Poor subscription base
Poor resources
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Why common platform

• Common search platform
• Increased visibility and consequent improved
  citation
• Shared and better technology
• Shared and more resources
• Shared promotional plans

Similar to Highwire press
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Role of the initiative

• Select quality journals
• Provide technology
• Provide web space (if desirable)
• Provide training
• Provide funds (only for initial stages)

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Logistics

• Funds governmental non- governmental
  agencies, corporate, institutions, journals
• Resources 1-2 full time programmers, server
  space
• RD at central place, time line of 3-6 months

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Logistics (contd.)

• Start within 6-12 months with small number of
  journals
• Test and quality check with these journals
  already having full text sites
• Involve other journals

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Technology

• Non-proprietary software based
• Easy to use and implement
• Integrate print and web forms
• Transfer of technology to journals
• Integration with available technology and
  initiatives

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Individual journal servers
Bi-directional flow of data
Central server with search facility involving all
partner journals
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Why journals may be reluctant to join

• Questionable long term viability
• Previous bad experiences
• Lack of experience
• Loss of independence
• Duplication of work
• ? Loss of subscription base

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Questions to be answered

• How long this will survive
• Who will make the initial funding
• Who will maintain
• Will it be self-sufficient
• Why not Bioline International

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Why it may succeed

• Low cost of maintainence
• Independent journal maintainence
• If started early more journals would benefit from
  shared technology (before they start their own
  sites)
• Can act as a building platform for other
  developing countries
• No commercial motive