Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/WikiJournal 2024/Final Report
Executive Summary
2024 has been one of significant progress for the WikiJournal User Group, despite facing challenges related to funding, editorial processes, and board engagement. Notable developments included leadership restructuring, advancements in editorial procedures, and a focus on increasing visibility and citation impact. The group’s strategic direction continues to be guided by efforts to streamline operations, expand the editorial board, and explore new avenues for funding and partnership. This report summarizes the key activities and challenges faced by the organization, while also outlining the progress made in multiple areas.
1. Leadership and Structure
Restructuring of the Executive Board
In 2024, the WikiJournal User Group's executive board underwent restructuring to improve operational efficiency. Efforts to update the administrative board list were also undertaken to ensure accurate representation and streamline the election process.
Handling Editor Role
The role of the Handling Editor, or Managing Editor, continues to evolve as an operational manager overseeing article submissions, peer review processes, and reviewer recruitment. This role has been key in addressing delays and ensuring timely publication of accepted articles.
Board Structure & Growth
The WikiJournal User Group continues to seek new board members to fill vacancies across its three journals. The bylaws outline a board that includes a CEO/President, heads of each journal, and advisers. The administrative board, hosted on Wikiversity, is being updated to reflect the latest changes.
2. Financial and Challenges
Insurance Issues
A major concern remains the high cost of insurance required to maintain the organization’s 501(c)(3) status. Affordable options are being explored.
WorkMarket Services
Due to financial constraints, the suspension of WorkMarket services was noted. The need for technical editor support remains critical, as WorkMarket’s future is uncertain.
3. Editorial and Journal Development
Editorial Board Expansion
Efforts to expand the editorial board continue with a focus on increasing diversity and engaging new contributors. The need for more associate editors and board members remains a priority, particularly in the WikiJournal of Medicine (WJM), where there has been a significant backlog of submissions.
Wikimania & Conference Involvement
WikiJournal participated in Wikimania 2024, where valuable connections where made and discussions were attended on publishing conference proceedings. However, concerns were raised about workload management and citation impact. Plans are in place for Wikimania 2025, which is expected to be smaller, with a budget for 1-2 board members to attend.
4. Challenges in Editorial Processes
Backlogs and Submission Delays
The WikiJournal User Group has faced significant backlogs in article submissions, especially within the WikiJournal of Medicine (WJM). In 2024, only one article was published in WJM, and the group is concerned about being delisted from Scopus. Refinements to the handling editor system are ongoing, aimed at ensuring smoother transitions through the peer review process. Editors are being encouraged to review their work and make sure submissions are properly uploaded and proofread.
5. Technological and Operational Needs
WorkMarket and Technical Editor Support
Due to funding constraints, there is uncertainty about the future of WorkMarket. Technical editors are urged to complete outstanding tasks before access is suspended. There is a need for additional technical editors to assist with formatting issues, especially for mathematical symbols and complex article structures.
Application Process Improvements
The WikiJournal User Group is exploring ways to streamline the editor application process. Suggestions include creating a Google Form interface for submissions, implementing a "Buddy System" to support new editors, and refining the voting process for applications.
6. Legal and Administrative Updates
Sister Project Proposal
The proposal for WikiJournal to become a Sister Project of the Wikimedia Foundation is continued to be pursued, with active chapters and key supporters needed to write support letters. Yet, the minimum expected timeline for this process is 1-3 years.
7. Miscellaneous
WikiJournal of Humanities (WJH)
In 2024, eight articles were submitted to the WikiJournal of Humanities (WJH), many of which came from Ukrainian authors. The potential for a special issue focused on Ukrainian themes is being explored, with outreach to guest editors being initiated.
Mobile Usability
Efforts to improve the mobile view of the WikiJournal homepage are ongoing, although formatting issues remain to be addressed.
8. Future Directions & Goals
Growth & Expansion
WikiJournal is focused on expanding its reach by exploring new partnerships, including further collaboration with PLOS, and improving visibility within Wikimedia Commons. Plans are also underway to publish in multiple languages, potentially through special issues.
AI Integration
There are ongoing discussions regarding the role of AI in the peer-review process. This includes the possibility of accepting articles generated with AI assistance for verification and review. There still needs to be clear accountability by the article author for the submitted content.
Funding & Sustainability
Ensuring the financial sustainability of WikiJournal remains a priority. Efforts will continue to secure grants, explore partnerships, and address the high costs associated with insurance and operational expenses.
Community Engagement
WikiJournal plans to implement more training materials, including screencasts and simplified documents, to assist both new and current editors in navigating the platform.
Increasing Citation Impact
The group plans to analyze the most accessed Wikipedia pages to identify areas where peer-reviewed content is lacking. This could help guide future submissions and increase WikiJournal’s citation impact.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges faced in 2024, WikiJournal has made significant strides in strengthening its leadership, improving editorial processes, and increasing engagement with the academic community. With continued focus on securing funding, expanding the editorial board, and addressing submission delays, WikiJournal is poised for a successful 2025. The organization remains optimistic about its future and its potential to make a meaningful impact on the academic publishing world and the broader Wikimedia community.
Key Action Items for 2025
- Finalize the restructuring of the executive board.
- Apply for and secure grants to ensure financial sustainability.
- Address the insurance issues by exploring affordable options.
- Expand editorial board capacity and address backlog issues in submissions.
- Streamline the editor application process and improve user experience.