The Journal Comparison Service (JCS), developed by cOAlition S, is a secure, free service that enables publishers to share information about the nature and the price of the services they provide. This information will provide libraries, library consortia, and funders with a better understanding of how the fees they pay are commensurate with the publication services delivered. 

Today’s release of the publisher portal will enable academic publishers to register with the JCS and to receive an agreement which spells out the terms of use and how publisher data will be used. Once the agreement is signed, a publisher account will be opened where each publisher will be able to deposit data at the journal level, highlighting the services they provide and the prices they charge. The service is accessible from https://journalcomparisonservice.org/ 

Although there is no obligation for publishers to use this service, we hope they will register for an account and participate in the JCS.  Sharing data through this service will enable your members to build further understanding and trust with customers, respond to customer requests for more standard, transparent, and granular price and service information and build better awareness of and appreciation for your services and value. 

Librarians, library consortia and funders who are involved in negotiating Open Access agreements with publishers, will be able to register for the service from autumn 2022. 

To find out more information about the service please visit: https://www.coalition-s.org/journal-comparison-service/