Indian Journal Server Indian Journal Server InitiativeInitiative

Problems with Indian journals

Poor visibility

Second-choice for authors

Poor subscription base

Poor resources

Why common platform

• Common search platform

• Increased visibility and consequent improved citation

• Shared and better technology

• Shared and more resources

• Shared promotional plans

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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)

Logistics

• Funds – governmental & non- governmental agencies, corporate, institutions, journals

• Resources – 1-2 full time programmers, server space

• R&D – at central place, time line of 3-6 months

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

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

Central server with search facility

involving all partner journals

Individual journal servers

Bi-directional flow of data

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

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

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