DISCO Plugin

 

Contributors 

Martina Dvořáková , Arnaud Gingold , Nathan Cuel Oller

Introduction

Navigating the different requirements of academic databases can be challenging. The Discoverability Companion (DISCO) simplifies this process by consolidating indexing criteria from major databases into a single, clear reference. By clarifying terminology and highlighting overlapping requirements, DISCO helps editors efficiently meet indexing standards, improving journal visibility and accessibility while reducing administrative effort.

Description

Purpose

The Discoverability Companion (DISCO) plugin addresses the challenge of journal indexing by consolidating and clarifying the diverse requirements of multiple databases and aggregators. Editors often struggle with inconsistent terminology and unclear criteria across different indexes. DISCO streamlines this process by providing a unified inventory of requirements, making it easier to understand and meet indexing standards. This enhances journal visibility, improves workflow efficiency, and increases chances of inclusion in key indexes.

Benefits

Users can install and use the Discoverability Companion (DISCO) plugin to navigate the indexing requirements of various databases and aggregators more effectively. By accessing a consolidated list of requirements with clear descriptions, editors can easily identify what needs to be done to meet indexing criteria. The plugin visually indicates which requirements overlap across multiple indexes, helping editors streamline their compliance efforts. This ensures journals enhance their discoverability, expand readership, and increase their impact without the need to analyse all the requirements themselves.

Licence

This plugin is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3. See the LICENSE file for the full terms of this licence.

System requirements

OJS 3.2.0 or higher.

Version History

Version 3.4.0.0 - Support for OJS 3.4.0
Version 3.3.0.0 - Support for OJS 3.3.0
Version 3.2.0.0 - Support for OJS 3.2.0

Installation

Install using a release from GitHub:
Download the latest compatible release from Releases · munipress/disco and unpack it.
Move the DISCO plugin folder into the OJS plugins/generic/ folder.
DISCO uses a database table to store responses. Run the update command from the command line in the OJS root folder: php tools/update.php update If you cannot run the update command, you can manually add the tables to your database. Use the MySQL query from the file mysql_query.sql.
Go to Settings → Site → Plugins → Generic Plugin → DISCO Plugin and activate the plugin.

How to use the plugin

After enabling the plugin, you will see a new tab "Discoverability Companion" in the site settings.
In each category you will find various criteria required by databases, including the services that enforce these requirements. Some criteria are automatically checked in OJS.
If your journal meets the criteria, you can tick the appropriate box and save the settings.
In the Results section you will find a list of the various databases, including their descriptions and links to the Knowledge Base.

The results page is designed to display scores for individual databases that have specific requirements for submission, which are then subject to evaluation. As the Discoverability Companion tool is a self-assessment tool, it cannot guarantee that a journal will be evaluated by the service. It is intended as a tool and knowledge base only. Below you will also find other databases that may not have evaluation criteria, but are still worth considering.

If your journal meets the requirements for evaluation or registration as a content provider, a button will appear next to the database, directing you to the relevant registration page.

Download

The plugin can be downloaded from GitHub, where you can find up-to-date information on its use and installation.

Link to the Output

References

• JMEF plugin – The DISCO plugin checks whether you are using the JMEF format plugin.

• iThenticate plugin – The DISCO plugin checks whether you are using the plugin for plagiarism detection.

• Knowledge Base – The DISCO plugin is connected to the Knowledge Base via links, providing access to information about databases.

• Aggregators links – DISCO provides direct links to registration forms for databases and indexing services.