CHAPTER 2 - Prepublication Dissemination of the Main Content of Journal Articles

Abstract

This chapter discusses prepublication dissemination of the main content of journal articles. While not all prepublication dissemination is related to information pertaining to the main content of subsequently published journal articles, about 90% of the material published in journal articles has been previously disseminated in the informal domain. Likewise, any major medium in the informal domain is selected, it is found that the main content of a majority of these reports eventually gets reported in journals. Consequently, prepublication information exchange in the informal domain is a breeding ground for information, which will later be published in the formal domain, and these early reports forecast later publications. Among scientists who are active researchers, there is the opinion that the most relevant information they need to pursue their own research most effectively is gained mainly from these reports. The chapter discusses oral prepublication media. It describes the relevance of prepublication oral media to library services.