Journal Publishing Practices and Standards framework

Journals in the developing world face challenges in becoming known and respected in the international research landscape. Since 1998, the Journals Online project has established a network of local journal platforms to help Southern journals gain an online presence and increase their global visibility. The framework described in this document is a response to the second part of the challenge: that of increasing respect for Southern journals.

Concerns are often raised about the perceived quality and transparency of publication processes for Southern journals. This, in turn, limits the perceived credibility of the research published within those journals.

The Journal Publishing Practices and Standards (JPPS) framework provides detailed assessment criteria for the quality of publishing practices of Southern journals and is initially being used to assess the journals hosted on JOL platforms.

Journals assessed against the JPPS criteria are given one of six levels: inactive title; new title; no stars; one star; two stars; and three stars. The assigned JPPS levels serve a dual purpose. For readers, they provide assurance that the journals meet an internationally recognized set of criteria at a particular level. For journal editors, the detailed feedback from the JPPS assessment helps them identify ways to improve their publishing practices and standards with a view to achieving a higher level at the next assessment.

The JPPS framework has been established and is managed by African Journals Online (AJOL) and INASP.