Scholarly communication in the networked environment: Reconsidering economics and organizational missions

Abstract

The prospects for network-based scholarly communication and electronic information distribution are of great concern to organizations involved in print publishing. Recognizing that they must consider the changes taking place with the widespread deployment of information and computer-communications technology, their management and governing boards are trying to determine how best to understand and operate within this new environment. Some organizations--primarily those that are well established and economically secure--seem to fear the emerging electronic information environment as a threat to their historical roles and revenue streams. Other organizations--perhaps financially marginal in the current print-based world, or those that have grown up with networks--are aggressively embracing and pursuing and exploiting the possibilities the new technology offers. This article argues that the choices faced by all types ofpublishingorganizations are not simply tactical or operational issues related to revenue. How these organizations position themselves to address the opportunities offered by computer networks must be determined by the original, basic purposes of the organizations. Beginning with a brief review of the changing economics and characteristics of scholarly communications in the networked environment, the article then considers the fundamental purposes of several types of organizations, reviews how these purposes have been