Juan Pablo Alperin Discusses Research-Driven Mission of PKP

The Public Knowledge Project (PKP) has been making strides in the field of scholarly communication, and its Scientific Director, Juan Pablo Alperin, recently shared insights on the project’s research-driven mission. In an in-depth interview, Alperin emphasized the importance of scholarly inquiry in shaping PKP’s values, vision, and mission, particularly in today’s climate where the value of research is increasingly scrutinized.

Alperin noted that PKP embodies a dual purpose; it serves both as an academic initiative and as a broader societal mission. He highlighted that the project aims to ensure that knowledge is accessible to the public, stating, “Open Access is Public Access.” This principle drives PKP’s commitment to making research available not just to academics but to anyone interested in engaging with scholarly work.

The concept of open access has gained momentum as it allows individuals, regardless of their institutional affiliation, to utilize academic resources. Alperin pointed out that this accessibility fosters a diverse knowledge ecosystem, supporting various uses from professional development to personal curiosity.

Research at the Core of PKP’s Innovations

Alperin explained that PKP’s approach to software development is deeply rooted in research findings. The project aims to create platforms that reflect the needs of the scholarly community, particularly in light of the challenges posed by large commercial publishers. This focus on scholar-led publishing has informed features like multilingual support in OJS 3.5 software, catering to a global audience.

A prime example of research informing PKP’s work is the launch of the Publication Fact Label. This initiative emerged from concerns about predatory publishing and aims to help users identify trustworthy journals. Through surveys and focus groups, PKP developed the label to provide a positive alternative to existing lists that categorize journals as either approved or banned.

Alperin emphasized that the development of such tools stems from a responsibility to generate evidence in the absence of existing data. His research focuses on enhancing metadata quality, which is essential for improving discoverability and ensuring the integrity of scholarly assessments. By examining the specific challenges faced by smaller journals, particularly those reliant on the OJS platform, PKP aims to dismantle barriers that hinder visibility and impact.

Commitment to Community Needs

The research-first approach adopted by PKP allows for targeted solutions to systemic issues within the academic publishing landscape. Alperin noted that this focus enables the organization to make informed, equitable, and sustainable decisions that benefit the broader community. He acknowledged that gathering and interpreting data is a time-consuming process but stressed that the insights gained are invaluable for aligning software development with actual community needs.

Alperin concluded by reinforcing that PKP is fundamentally a research initiative, driven by scholarly values and grounded in community engagement. This approach ensures that PKP remains at the forefront of building open and sustainable scholarly infrastructures, ultimately supporting a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

For further information or assistance regarding PKP software, users can access the support resources available on the PKP website. The Public Knowledge Project operates as a Core Facility of Simon Fraser University, located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The university acknowledges that it occupies the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.