A Comprehensive Look at the New Features in OJS 3.4

The world of academic publishing constantly evolves, and with the latest release of Open Journal Systems (OJS) 3.4, users can experience a suite of new features designed to streamline the editorial process. In this article, we’ll dive into how OJS 3.4 can facilitate a more efficient workflow for editors, authors, and reviewers.

A Revamped Submission Process in OJS 3.4 #

OJS 3.4 introduces a new and improved submission wizard that simplifies the author’s experience. The ability to save or autosave a submission in progress means that authors can work on their submissions without the fear of losing any data. The new interface allows authors to change the submission language effortlessly, and the system can now require specific submission files, ensuring completeness before moving forward.

Editorial Decisions Made Easier in OJS 3.4 #

Editorial decisions are a critical part of the workflow, and OJS 3.4 has made this process more intuitive. Editors can now add email addresses in CC/BCC fields to keep relevant parties in the loop. The option to send a copy of the notification to reviewers, with a separate email template that maintains their anonymity from authors, is a significant improvement.

Streamlined Review Rounds #

Have you ever started a review round by accident? With OJS 3.4, you can cancel it unless a review has been completed. This new feature prevents unnecessary confusion and ensures that the review process stays on track. Additionally, editors can now move submissions back to previous stages, such as from Copyediting to Review, with options to notify authors about these changes.

Upgraded Email Templates #

Communication is key in editorial management, and OJS 3.4 has taken it up a notch with enhanced email template tools. Users can write and select from multiple templates, insert variables using the ‘Insert Content’ button, and even preview variable values like the author’s name before sending an email. The default email templates have also been rewritten to be more inclusive and friendly.

Improved Statistics for Better Insights #

OJS has updated its COUNTER support to Release 5, offering tools to report readership based on region and institutional access. Additionally, basic Research Object Registry (ROR) support for institutional subscriptions has been introduced, allowing journals to better understand and report their reach.

Persistent Identifiers Overhaul #

The DOI and CrossRef support systems have been comprehensively reworked in OJS 3.4, aiming to reduce confusion and streamline the process of assigning and managing DOIs for submissions.

Enhancements for Multi-Journal Installations #

Site Administrators now enjoy managerial access comparable to Journal Managers, clearly distinguishing their roles and reducing the need for dual role assignments. Journal Managers gain more control over user enrolment, easing the management of users active across multiple journals.

Submission Title Formatting Flexibility #

Recognizing the importance of accurate scientific communication, submission titles in OJS 3.4 can now include formatting such as bold, italic, underline, superscript, and subscript.

Other Notable Improvements #

• The submission full-text index update has been optimized to reduce frustration and save time.
• A data availability statement metadata field has been added.
• Direct “Unsubscribe” links are now included in certain system notification emails.

Community Contributions and Support #

The OJS team acknowledges and encourages contributions from the developer community. From language options to third-party plugins and software testing—the collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of OJS’s success.

In conclusion, OJS 3.4 is not just an update; it’s a transformation that significantly improves editorial management. The new features are designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring that editors can focus on their primary goal of managing and publishing scholarly content efficiently. With this update, OJS continues to solidify its position as a leading journal management solution.

For seamless OJS upgrades and expert support, explore our OJS Upgrade Service.

This article has been crafted to provide OJS users with an understanding of the new features in version 3.4, focusing on how these updates will streamline processes, improve workflow efficiencies, and enhance overall user experience. With room for actual screenshots from your OJS system, you’ll be able to visually guide your users through these changes once you add the images to the article.

For more detailed information on OJS 3.4 features, you can refer to the official OJS documentation.