Development of an online journal.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Scholarly Publishing
• Digital Humanities

Background:

• The landscape of academic publishing is rapidly evolving towards digital platforms.
• Establishing an electronic journal requires careful consideration of various operational aspects.
• The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) emerged to meet the needs of the nursing community for accessible, timely information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chronicle the historical development and successful launch of an electronic nursing journal.
• To outline the critical planning phases involved in establishing an online scholarly publication.
• To provide actionable recommendations for future online journal initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of the planning and developmental stages of OJIN.
• Focus on key areas: needs assessment, audience identification, marketing strategies, editorial board formation, and financial planning.
• Documenting the transition from concept to a fully operational electronic journal.

Main Results:

• Successful inception and establishment of the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN).
• Identification of crucial planning elements for online journal success, including market analysis and sustainable funding models.
• Development of a comprehensive framework for launching and managing electronic academic journals.

Conclusions:

• The successful development of OJIN demonstrates the feasibility and value of electronic nursing journals.
• Strategic planning encompassing audience needs, editorial integrity, and financial viability is paramount for online scholarly publications.
• Lessons learned from OJIN's development offer a valuable roadmap for individuals and organizations aiming to establish new digital journals in academic fields.