The Public Knowledge Project (PKP) is undertaking a comprehensive review of Open Monograph Press (OMP), a tool developed to manage and publish open-access monographs, edited volumes, and scholarly editions. The review, led by Zoe Wake Hyde, PKP’s OMP Coordinator, aims to address the evolving needs of the open book publishing community and ensure the platform remains aligned with current trends in long-form scholarship.
OMP, launched in 2013, is an open-source tool designed to support scholarly book publishing. While it has been adopted by several hundred publishing operations, it has not seen the same level of widespread uptake as PKP’s flagship platform, Open Journal Systems (OJS). The slower adoption of open publishing models for books compared to journals has posed unique challenges, particularly in humanities disciplines, where books hold significant cultural and academic value.
In recognition of these challenges, PKP is reviewing the platform’s role within the broader open publishing ecosystem. The review is part of PKP’s involvement in the Open Book Futures (OBF) initiative and its recent participation in the Open Book Collective (OBC) Supporter Program. These efforts aim to ensure that OMP’s development reflects the needs of the community and the shifting dynamics of the open book ecosystem.
The review will involve in-depth interviews with OMP users and a forthcoming survey to gather input from the wider community. PKP is also hosting a town hall-style event on March 12, 2025, to share initial findings and facilitate discussions about the platform’s future. The final report will be released in April 2025.
As PKP continues to champion open research, the review seeks to enhance OMP’s adoption and strengthen global efforts to make scholarly publishing more accessible and equitable.
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