EIFL has released a revised and updated version of its guide for publishers of Diamond open access (OA) journals, aimed at helping them enhance journal quality and align with best practices in scholarly publishing.
Titled ‘Quality in Diamond Open Access Publishing: Guidelines, Policies and Templates’, the updated guide—authored by Iryna Kuchma and Milica Ševkušić of the EIFL Open Access Programme—builds on the April 2025 edition. The October 2025 version incorporates additional links, clarifications and improvements that strengthen its practical value for publishers and editors.
The guide is informed by recognized frameworks such as the Basic Criteria for indexing in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), the Best Practices Checklist for Diamond OA Publishers, and the Diamond Open Access Standard (DOAS) developed by the DIAMAS project, in which EIFL participated.
It outlines essential components of a Diamond OA journal and provides templates for core policies, author statements, conflict-of-interest declarations, and licensing agreements. It also offers technical guidance on key website and article features, proper display of licensing information, and accessibility considerations.
Developed with support from the Wellcome Trust under the Collaboration for Sustainable Open Access Publishing in Africa project, the guide serves as a foundational tool for journals aiming to improve operational standards and visibility. The updated version was reviewed and translated into Slovenian by Aleš Pogačnik of the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Click here to read the original press release.
