Publishing Business Models Research Articles

Examining publishing practices: moving beyond the idea of predatory open access

The word ‘predatory’ has become an obstacle to a serious discussion of publishing practices. Its use has been both overinclusive, encompassing practices that, while undesirable, are not malicious, and underinclusive, missing many exploitative practices outside the open access sphere. The article examines different business models for scholarly publishing and considers the potential for abuse with each model. After looking at the problems of both blacklists and so-called ‘whitelists’, the author suggests that the best path forward would be to create tools to capture the real experience of individual authors as they navigate the publishing process with different publishers.

The surge of predatory open-access in neurosciences and neurology

Predatory open access is a controversial publishing business model that exploits the open-access system by charging publication fees in the absence of transparent editorial services. The credibility of academic publishing is now seriously threatened by predatory journals, whose articles are accorded real citations and thus contaminate the genuine scientific records of legitimate journals. This is of particular concern for public health since clinical practice relies on the findings generated by scholarly articles. Aim of this study was to compile a list of predatory journals targeting the neurosciences and neurology disciplines and to analyze the magnitude and geographical distribution of the phenomenon in these fields. Eighty-seven predatory journals operate in neurosciences and 101 in neurology, for a total of 2404 and 3134 articles issued, respectively. Publication fees range 521–637 USD, much less than those charged by genuine open-access journals. The country of origin of 26.0–37.0% of the publishers was impossible to determine due to poor websites or provision of vague or non-credible locations. Of the rest 35.3–42.0% reported their headquarters in the USA, 19.0–39.2% in India, 3.0–9.8% in other countries. Although calling themselves “open-access”, none of the journals retrieved was listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals. However, 14.9–24.7% of them were found to be indexed in PubMed and PubMed Central, which raises concerns on the criteria for inclusion of journals and publishers imposed by these popular databases. Scholars in the neurosciences are advised to use all the available tools to recognize predatory practices and avoid the downsides of predatory journals.

Democratizing Journalism – How User‐Generated Content and User Communities Affect Publishers’ Business Models

Publishers, today, are struggling with their business model: Their efforts to convert traditional content into digital products seem to be insufficient as recipients expect more than simply the mere digitalization of content. Dissatisfied with solely being informed by selected journalists, modern recipients are often interested in acquiring information from various sources, in discussing with others, or even in contributing with their own content. Hence, recipients seem to evolve from being simply readers to contributors themselves. With regard to the established term ‘user‐generated content’, we refer to those co‐creating recipients as users. To underline these assumptions, the present study explores (1) users’ expectations of sources of content and (2) their willingness to provide their own content. Our findings show that both user‐generated content and professional journalists’ content is of value to users. Second, we show that users are mainly driven to contribute by their own expertise, welfare of others, and personal acceptance in the community. With this study, we consider mainly the changed user behaviour in order to derive implications of user involvement for future business models of publishers, in particular on the customer value proposition as well as key resources and key processes.

Open Access 2020 – The final road to Open Access

Open Access 2020 is an international initiative that aims to induce the swift, smooth and scholarly-oriented transformation of today’s scholarly journals from subscription to open access publishing on a large scale. The last decades of the open access movement have made open access become strong as a principal- but weak in practice. With OA2020 we aim to move the focus to a new concrete goal: converting the default business model of scholarly publishing from subscription to open access. The poster outlines backgrounds as well as a roadmap of the initiative.

Legitimation in practice: A new digital publishing business model

This research studies the legitimation practices at Cyberlibris, a company introducing the innovative business model of a digital library to the field of publishing. The objective is to better understand how innovative actors deploy proactive strategies in order to acquire the legitimacy which is vital to their success. We conducted a longitudinal investigation of the practices of legitimation with particular focus on the sequence of the process and the role played by the dimensions of legitimation at each stage. The results propose an integrative framework of legitimation strategies based on four dimensions: the nature of legitimacy, and three key aspects of practice, namely, the subject of legitimation, the context, and the target audience. The study also captures the iterative and non-linear nature of the bricolage that characterises legitimation in practice, thus furthering our understanding of how the process of legitimation unfolds. Finally, we provide an account of how digitalisation can lead to innovation in the creative industries.

Editorial

Editorial

“Freemium” business models in publishing. New packaging for the needs of readers in the digital age

In a digital environment, the traditional roles of authors and publishers change. The shift of power from authors, publishers and/or content to the platform affects the development of new business models, and shaping the content in the digital environment becomes a major challenge for publishers. The subscription models of the content sale have long been present in other media industries. Editing, design and marketing are the key features that a publisher develops and adapts to changes. The traditional skills of publishers are no longer sufficient. Instead, a continued integration of innovative solutions is needed. The aim of this paper is to explore how the emergence of subscription models influences the development of new publishing products which bring together the author and the publisher in a joint effort to reach a larger number of readers.

Transformations and Mutations of the Chinese Language Publishing Field in the Digital Age

In the traditional publishing arena, the publishing fields around the world all operate according to a fixed value chain system, which has been in operation ever since the existence of the publishing industry over 500 years. Now the publishing industry is going through a transition period toward digitization, which has overwhelmed not only the entire system but the entire publishing field. In this digital age, publishing houses in the West have carried on with their conventional model of value chains and have established a comprehensive digital publishing system. But in Chinesespeaking regions, due to factors such as market traits, consumer reading habits, publishing policies and consumption habits which are vastly different from those in the West, the Western system of digital publishing is not applicable. This study analyzes the Chinese language publishing field by interviewing Cross- Straits publishing experts. The aim is to examine the differences between the publishing structure of Chinese-speaking regions (specifically mainland China and Taiwan), the typical publishing field in the West, and the traditional paper-based publishing field which has existed for hundreds of years. The result shows that Taiwan follows the Western e-publishing model. However, because of the differences in market size and reading habits, the e-publishing model is not applicable in Taiwan. China, on the other hand, has developed its own system called “Internet Literature” in accordance with readers’ reading preferences and habits. Moreover, this model uses the intellectual property to extend the value of publications by transforming literature texts into other forms of cultural production. This publishing business model is carried out by big Internet companies such as Tencent, Baidu, rather than by publishers. These mutations of Internet literature content have really challenged the Chinese state-regulated publishing system, and have become the foundations of a successful business model. This development in China has challenged the conventional definition of publishing, as literature has been a symbol of highbrow civilization whereas Internet Literature is more a symbol of uncultured entertainment.

How Copyright Keeps Works Disappeared

A random sample of new books for sale on Amazon.com shows more books for sale from the 1880s than the 1980s. Why? This article presents new data on how copyright stifles the reappearance of works. First, a random sample of more than 2,000 new books for sale on Amazon.com is analyzed along with a random sample of almost 2,000 songs available on new DVDs. Copyright status correlates highly with absence from the Amazon shelf. Together with publishing business models, copyright law seems to deter distribution and diminish access. Further analysis of eBook markets, used books on Abebooks.com, and the Chicago Public Library collection suggests that no alternative marketplace for out‐of‐print books has yet developed. Data from iTunes and YouTube, however, tell a different story for older hit songs. The much wider availability of old music in digital form may be explained by the differing holdings in two important cases, Boosey & Hawkes v. Disney (music) and Random House v. Rosetta Stone (books).

The Future of Serials: A Publisher's Perspective

This invited article explores the special issue theme of the future of serials from a publisher's perspective. The author presents key issues for SAGE Publications, including what's happening in publishing today, changes to the scholarly communication ecosystem, current innovations, megajournals, scholarly conversations, the anonymity of reviewers, the broad dissemination of content, and business models for serials publishing.

Open Access in Humanities and Social Sciences

See video of the presentation.Ferwerda will talk about the various ways in which the transition to OA is taking place within HSS and STEM disciplines. He will discuss the specific features of many HSS disciplines that need to be taken into account for a successful transition to OA. HSS has different publishing profiles, in some disciplines monographs are still the dominant format. Authors in HSS have different values and a different perspective on Creative Commons licenses. A key driver in the current publication culture is the reputation and reward system. In many countries the way research is funded is also an important issue. Ferwerda will also look at business models for OA publishing and discuss the models that may work for HSS. These and other issues will lead him to the conclusion that a successful transition to OA will require the involvement of all stakeholders in scholarly communication.

How Copyright Makes Books and Music Disappear (and How Secondary Liability Rules Help Resurrect Old Songs)

A random sample of new books for sale on Amazon.com shows more books for sale from the 1880’s than the 1980’s. Why? This paper presents new data on how copyright stifles the reappearance of works. First, a random sample of more than 2000 new books for sale on Amazon.com is analyzed along with a random sample of almost 2000 songs available on new DVD’s. Copyright status correlates highly with absence from the Amazon shelf. Together with publishing business models, copyright law seems to deter distribution and diminish access. Further analysis of eBook markets, used books on Abebooks.com, and the Chicago Public library collection suggests that no alternative marketplace for out-of-print books has yet developed. Data from iTunes and YouTube, however, tell a different story for older hit songs. The much wider availability of old music in digital form may be explained by the differing holdings in two important cases Boosey & Hawkes v. Disney (music) and Random House v. Rosetta Stone (books).

Business Models in Journals Publishing

This article looks at the current business models in journal publishing, from subscription to open access models, and analyses the dynamics of this profitable and fast-moving area of publishing. Examining how the business models are evolving will also shed light on the future of the journals business. There is examination of the life cycle of journals, their pricing, the subscription model, and the development of open access. It is concluded that a variety of business models and continued experimentation are desirable for the health of the sector.

Modelos de negocio de las editoriales de revistas científicas: implicaciones para el acceso abierto

A set of parameters to analyze business models of scientific publishers, especially those that offer open access to their content for all or some of their journals, is presented and defined. A definition of the term “business model” that exceeds the old conceptual restriction tied to funding sources is given. This more complete view of the business model requires extending the analysis of funding sources to other economic and financial components as well as operational and strategic dimensions of the publisher. This allows a better and more authoritative interpretation and analysis of the various business models of scientific publishers.

From Service Providers to Content Producers: New Opportunities For Libraries in Collaborative Open Access Book Publishing

Several libraries have become active partners in Open Access publishing of books in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). Not only have libraries started up their own presses, they are also collaborating with existing presses or forming alliances with other institutions on campus such as scholarly communication offices, ICT departments, and academic research centers. By combining institutional strengths and enabling the sharing of resources across institutions, these collaborations offer synergies and efficiencies in the scholarly book publishing business. This paper examines this new function taken on by libraries. Using research conducted by the European project “Open Access Publishing in European Networks” (OAPEN) on OA publishing models and business models for books, we look at libraries’ motives and challenges and explore how their new roles enable them to serve their customers in the most effective way. By combining digital repositories with scholarly publishing, libraries can facilitate and support HSS book publishing and can help sustain the scholarly monograph in the transition towards digital formats and an Open Access future.

Business Models in Digital Book Publishing: Some Insights from Australia

This interpretive study of change in Australian book publishing, included a survey of book publishers and the conduct of 14 case studies in five categories of publisher: general trade, academic, professional, specialist and university. This paper reports in detail on the experience on one general trade publisher as it sought to face the challenges of globalization and of organizational and technological change. The major finding was that digitization is indeed, impacting on business models for book publishing, with current models comprising something of a hybrid between the traditional and the innovative. Reflecting the presence in Australia of similar trends and issues that are affecting book publishing around the world, the findings are of relevance both to book publishers and to researchers. The work is original in that relatively little recent academic research has been conducted into book publishing in Australia, particularly as regards the implications of digitization for business models.

Collection management of electronic journals in academic libraries: notes on embracing change in an unstable environment

As research libraries increasingly assume the role of publisher, a new business model of scholarly publishing is emerging. Through inter- and intra-organizational partnerships, research libraries are utilizing open source publishing applications such as DSpace to develop publishing ventures. With the availability of such tools, this trend will dramatically impact the scholarly publishing system and the management of electronic journals.

The impact of digitization on business models for publishing

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a research project aiming to investigate the implications of digitization for the Australian book publishing sector and in particular for current and emerging business models. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the publishing industry in Australia with the rapid development of information and communication technologies, this study aims to address several critical research questions in the publishing industry in Australia as follows: what are the major trends emerging within the publishing industry in Australia? What implications do these trends have for business models? What technologies and applications offer the greatest potential for supporting value creation activities and business model development in the digital era?Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive review of the literature on business models is conducted, in particular, in relation to the publishing industry. The current status of the technology used in the publishing industry is explored, and the overall profile of the Australian publishing industry is established with the use of a document analysis method based on secondary data available. This leads to the development of an online questionnaire for surveying the book publishers in Australia, and results in the conduct of 14 follow‐up case studies, the latter forming the basis for the current paper.FindingsThe findings are that global trends towards consolidation and increasing competition are replicated in Australia, and that business models are responding, for example, with the emergence of hybrid models, embodying traditional elements and those consequent on the advent of digitization. It is also clear that the internet and related network technologies, along with content and digital rights management technologies are emerging as key to change, but those strategic decisions are ultimately based on business drivers rather than on emerging technologies.Practical implicationsThe research findings would be of significant benefits to Australian business, especially, the publishers in Australia in their endeavour to effectively deal with the challenges that the rapid advance in information and communication technologies has brought to every organization. These findings help organizations, including Australian publishers, realistically assess the impact of the digital technologies on their businesses and subsequently formulate effective policies and strategies for fully making use of the potential of the digital technologies for developing and sustaining their competitive advantages in the market.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is the use of a multi‐method approach for investigating the implications of digitization for the Australian book publishing sector and in particular for current and emerging business models. Such a study is of tremendous value to the Australian publishers due to the rapid advance of digital technologies; the need for a better understanding of the impacts of such technologies advances on publishers; and the increasing competitive market in publishing. The research findings would help Australian publishers and also other organizations develop specific strategies and polices for effectively dealing with the challenges from the rapid development of the digital technologies.

Shaping the Transformation of Pharmaceutical Science

This final issue of Pharmaceutical Research in 2008 is dedicated to the celebration of the journal’s 25th anniversary. This particular issue is a collage of (a) selected invited papers for the symposium entitled, “25th Anniversary of Pharmaceutical Research: Impact on Drug Development and Roadmap to Future Innovations” at the AAPS meeting in Atlanta and (b) contributions from the authors at large whose work collectively defines the future direction of Pharmaceutical Research. The themed sections are illustrative of the indispensable role of integrated research in modern science and of the translation of basic research to disease management. Pharmaceutical science is translational by its very nature. My goal as editor-in-chief was to position Pharmaceutical Research as the forum of choice for assuring the scientific quality as well as for archiving translational research in pharmaceutical science. In my view, the journal is a rich source of information and case studies on the integration of fundamental principles in chemistry, biology, and engineering for creating and evaluating innovative products or protocols that meet the needs of a healthy society. Transport, formulation, biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, simulation and mathematical modeling, and drug delivery are the building blocks of Pharmaceutical Research. They comprise the tool kit for creating innovative solutions to challenging entities. These entities range from small organic molecules to stem cells, which are on their way to becoming life-enrichment medicine. The top 25 papers from 1984 to the present, listed in Table I, span the area defined by the keywords mentioned earlier. The range of average citations per year is from 8.95 to 48.29. All but two of these papers were published in the decade of 1990–1999; the other two papers were published in 1998 (ranked no. 15) and in 2002 (ranked no. 22). Pharmaceutical Research continues to flourish because of your support. To date, 13,985 authors have published in a total of 6,018 papers in the journal. Over 50% of the work was conducted in the laboratories of the 25 investigators listed in Table II. The top five contributors in this group are R.H Guy. G.L. Amidon, Y. Sugiyama, R. Borchardt, and V. Shah in that order. Table II also lists the top 25 institutions as well as the top 25 countries in number of papers published. The US Food and Drug Administration and three pharmaceutical companies (Upjohn, Genentech, and Pfizer) are sharing the top 25 institutions with universities in the United States, Japan, Israel. Sweden, and the Netherlands. In terms of countries, the United States contributes more than half of the published papers, followed by Japan (11.6%), and England (5.42%). The up and coming countries in Asia (South Korea, China, India, Singapore and Taiwan) together account for 4% of all published manuscripts in Pharmaceutical Research (Table III). The pharmaceutical world is dynamic, and realignment in the lineup of major contributors, institutions, and countries to the toptiered has already started. Although the United States and Japan together still contribute to 60% of all published manuscripts in recent years (2003–present) (Table II), only one of the top five most cited work is from the United States. The underlying cause and the strategy to reverse such a trend are very much needed. With 676 citations to date, the paper by Amidon et al. (paper no. 1 in Table I), which formalized the biopharmaceutic drug classification (known for short as BCS), is the most highly cited paper in the history of the journal. This citation classic presented an elegant way to select the fundamental drug properties deemed important in bioavailability. The lesson learned from such a strategy undoubtedly will exert a profound impact on the strategy of drug product development by drug manufacturers and on the approach adopted by drug regulators to examine drug applications. In so doing, the BCS concept serves as an effective interface between the business sector and the government agency charged with safeguarding the health of the public from drug misadventures. Other topics that are on the more recent top 25 list include protein formulations; drug transporters; prediction, experimental evaluation, and modification of epithelial drug permeability; and polymeric carriers for oligonucleotides and genes. We are living in a world of unprecedented change. Change knows no geographical, disciplinary or national boundaries. First, the internet has created a cost effective way for sharing information with anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is already changing the business model of publishing. Second, the confluence of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and informational technology has enabled scientists to tackle complex scientific questions. Discovery of disease subtypes, hence the need for more sophisticated treatment, may be on the rise. Third, the resolution of such questions as well as an improved understanding of disease at the genetic, cellular and molecular levels will accelerate the development of personalized

Bounded and Unbounded Knowledge: Teaching and Learning in a Web 2 World.

In the recent past, the proliferation of digitally available content heralded the beginning of serious problems for the business models of publishers. The ease with which content can be accessed, copied and distributed disrupts the control of those whose role has been to manage and profit from the intellectual property rights of content producers. In effect, the number of “publishers” increased many fold as the Web and other Internet-based technologies became the dominant mode of content distribution. In education, and in other fields, matters of intellectual property, copyright and quality control came to the fore. More recently, with the advent of web-based software that makes publishing online available to anyone with access to the Internet the number of “publishers” and modes of publication have increased massively. The shift from a Web which was, for many a read only environment to a read/write Web poses not only ongoing problems for the traditional distributors of content but also now, for the traditional producers of content and knowledge. In this respect, the role of universities as designers and producers of learning materials for credentialed learning is also under challenge. Just as publishers explore alternative business models to adapt to the new digital environment, now universities have begun to explore new ways of working with so-called Web2 software to support teaching and learning online. In particular, some Web2 software affords new opportunities for and different modes of collaboration, which in the view of some points to student participation in knowledge production. While these developments represent important and significant shifts for universities, this paper draws attention to the lack of empirical data and situated contextual knowledge concerning intellectual property rights for knowledge constructed in a collaborative context. In addition, we explore issues in relation to the maintenance of academic integrity and quality where knowledge building takes place in a collaborative, online environment.