Manuscript Exchange Common Approach (MECA)

The MECA Recommended Practice is Available

The updated version of the MECA Recommended Practice, NISO RP-30-2023, Manuscript Exchange Common Approach (MECA) was published in June 2023.

Overview

MECA is a NISO project which has developed a common means to easily transfer manuscripts between and among manuscript systems, such as those in use at publishers and preprint servers. Those who work in manuscript-processing areas such as production systems, preprint servers, and authoring services support the community development of a NISO Recommended Practice intended to alleviate pain points encountered by researchers as well as service providers operating in the scholarly ecosystem.

In workflow processes such as manuscript rejection or alternate recommendations for article submission, there was no easy way for a manuscript to move programmatically from one publisher system to another’s, resulting in frustration for authors and reviewers who complained of wasted time, duplicative efforts, and delays in enabling access to novel research.  An open protocol available for adoption across the industry eases this process substantially and better supports publishing operations and communication among all stakeholders.

Recent Project Updates

November 2023

SC co-chairs Tony Alves and Stephen Laverick discussed the MECA initiative on the November 2023 NISO Open Teleconference.

JATS-Con 2022

Documents

Committee Roster

Co-chairs, Standing Committee

Members, Standing Committee

Sven Molter

Senior Product Manager
Public Library of Science (PLOS)

Working Group (active 2018-2020)