Trusted infrastructure needs DINIvolution – the DINI certificate for Open Access publishing services

Abstract

Research information infrastructure services require transparent criteria and guidelines to be considered trustworthy, i.e. sustainable, interoperable and ready for future challenges. The DINI Certificate for Open Access Publication Services (an English version is currently in preparation) supports these requirements. The community-developed, noncommercial certificate paves the way for open scholarly communication and supports the prerequisites for the free availability of scholarly information as an essential element of future-oriented research-related services. Launched in 2004 and now in its 7th revised version, the DINI certificate has undergone dozens of successful certification processes, and is still unique and can be considered a de facto standard for publishing services, at least in Germany, and a role model for other countries. It is therefore recommended as a guide for publication services by the German Research Foundation (DFG).