The world of academic publishing has evolved significantly, and with the growing demand for accessible and transparent research dissemination, free and open-source journal management software (JMS) has become indispensable. Traditional, proprietary journal management systems, often associated with high costs and limited customization, have faced increasing scrutiny. In response, a wave of free and open-source journal management software (JMS) has emerged, offering a more democratic and cost-effective approach to scholarly dissemination.
These open-source platforms empower researchers, editors, and publishers to manage the entire lifecycle of a journal article, from submission and peer review to publication. By providing a flexible and customizable framework, they cater to the diverse needs of academic communities, from small, specialized journals to large, international publications. Beyond their functional benefits, open-source JMS also fosters collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility in research. By making the publishing process more open and accessible, these platforms contribute to a more equitable and inclusive scholarly ecosystem.
1. Open Journal Systems (OJS)
Developed by: Public Knowledge Project
(PKP)
Programming Language: PHP
License:
GNU General Public License (GPL)
Open Journal Systems (OJS) is one of the most widely used journal management platforms globally. OJS supports all aspects of publishing, from submission to peer review, editing, publishing, and archiving. It allows journals to manage the entire workflow, including assigning editors, tracking submissions, and managing reviews.
Key Features:
Easy setup for creating new journal issues.
Support for multi-journal management.
Integration with indexing services like DOAJ.
Customizable theming and plugin options for extended functionality.
Multi-language support for international journals.
OJS is ideal for academic institutions, research groups, and independent publishers who want a full-featured, scalable platform.
2. Janeway
Developed by: Birkbeck Centre for Technology and
Publishing
Programming Language: Python (Django
Framework)
License: MIT License
Janeway is a modern and user-friendly journal management system that focuses on academic publishing with an open-access ethos. It is built with simplicity in mind, offering tools for managing all stages of the journal publishing process.
Key Features:
Clean and simple user interface.
Full peer review workflow support.
Support for open access publishing.
Built-in statistics and reporting tools for editors and administrators.
Automated metadata extraction for indexing purposes.
Janeway is designed for institutions looking for a lightweight yet powerful solution for managing scholarly publications.
3. Editoria
Developed by: Coko Foundation
Programming
Language: JavaScript (Node.js)
License:
MIT License
Editoria is a cutting-edge, web-based platform focused on book and journal publishing workflows. It’s designed to support both traditional and open-access models, streamlining the production process from submission to final publication.
Key Features:
Collaborative editing in real-time for manuscripts.
Support for content export in multiple formats (PDF, XML, EPUB).
Easy integration with peer review systems.
Modular design allows for future extensibility.
Editoria is particularly well-suited for academic presses and small publishers who want to improve collaboration and efficiency in their publishing workflows.
4. EPrints
Developed by: University of
Southampton
Programming Language: Perl
License:
GPL
EPrints is a robust platform initially designed as an institutional repository software. However, with the right configuration, it can also be used for managing academic journals. EPrints is highly customizable, making it suitable for a wide range of publishing needs.
Key Features:
Flexible workflows and metadata support.
Advanced search and indexing functionality.
Strong support for institutional repositories.
Plugin ecosystem to extend the platform’s features.
While EPrints may require more technical expertise for setup and customization, it is a solid choice for institutions that want full control over their repository or journal system.
5. Ambra
Developed by: Public Library of Science
(PLOS)
Programming Language: Java
License:
Apache License 2.0
Ambra is the software that powers the PLOS ONE journal, making it one of the most scalable and robust open-source platforms available. It focuses on large-scale publishing and open-access journals, making it a great choice for publishers looking to handle high-volume submissions and publications.
Key Features:
Highly scalable for large journal operations.
Automated workflows for peer review and article handling.
Seamless integration with third-party tools and services.
Support for open-access publishing.
Ambra is best suited for large publishers or journals handling significant numbers of submissions and requiring robust infrastructure.
6. Scholastica (Open-Source Components)
Developed by: Scholastica
Programming
Language: Ruby on Rails
License:
Proprietary with open-source components
Scholastica is a popular journal management software that offers both proprietary and open-source components. While the core platform is proprietary, they provide open-source tools to integrate with various publishing workflows.
Key Features:
Customizable submission and peer review workflows.
Integration with indexing services like CrossRef.
Support for open-access publishing models.
SEO optimization for published articles.
While Scholastica offers a mix of proprietary and open-source tools, its flexibility and scalability make it a good option for journals looking for a hybrid approach.
7. DpubS (Digital Publishing System)
Developed by: Cornell University
Library
Programming Language: PHP
License:
GPL
DpubS is an open-source publishing platform designed to support digital scholarship. It allows journals to manage articles, books, and conference proceedings and can handle multiple publications from a single installation.
Key Features:
Flexible design for journals, books, and conference proceedings.
Support for multiple publication formats.
Customizable layouts for individual journals.
Integration with institutional repositories.
DpubS is best suited for academic institutions and libraries that want to streamline their digital publishing efforts.
Conclusion
Free and open-source journal management software has revolutionized academic publishing by making it more accessible, transparent, and affordable. Platforms like Open Journal Systems (OJS), Janeway, Editoria, and Ambra provide powerful tools to manage the entire workflow, from submission to publication. Whether you’re a small journal publisher or a large academic institution, these systems offer the flexibility and scalability needed to meet diverse publishing needs without the hefty price tag of proprietary software.
By adopting open-source platforms, academic publishers can not only cut costs but also contribute to the broader movement of open access and shared knowledge across the globe.
Do you manage or contribute to an academic journal? Let us know which journal management platform works best for you in the comments!