Journal Packages Research Articles

Boundary-Crossing in the Age of Turf

Boundary-Crossing in the Age of Turf Sarah M. Pritchard (bio) A version of this essay was presented at the meeting of the Cultural Studies Association, Berkeley, CA, March 20, 2010 Despite the hype that the peer-reviewed journal is dying and does not fit today's modes of scholarship, the number of journals is flourishing; and the problems of editing and publishing them has become even more complex. The digital environment presents new challenges and also throws into high relief some very old ones, for example copyright and plagiarism. We are well past the early days of electronic journals—when the very phrase meant they were not peer reviewed and not indexed and did not represent the respected literature of a field. Digital content can now include everything from junk to the highest quality—and most expensive—flagship academic books and periodicals. There is a proliferation of business models, by which I mean things like regular subscriptions, a whole range of open access categories, and new forms of bundled or aggregated packages of journals. Is it all a big free-for-all, as some say; or, if not, what differentiates these many products? It is not actually the format or the delivery channel or even the business model. As has been the case for centuries, it is a question of who are the scholars that are producing and editing the information, and what are the institutions—such as universities and publishers—that are hosting and issuing the material. Ultimately it is a matter of who has standing and credibility in a given field. I want to look at that rather traditional problem of validation in the field and what happens as the definitions and scope of the field evolve. This is ultimately what gives birth to so many new journals, as fields of academic and professional interest subdivide into more depth, recombine to articulate wider syntheses, or weave to form interdisciplinary domains. portal is itself a product of this sort of movement and a case study for interdisciplinarity in the field of library science. There may be a chicken-and-egg problem as to which comes first in the dynamics of an evolving discipline. Does the practice change, and gradually the journals catch up? Or, can leaders in a field establish journals with an innovative mission and encourage scholarship to pursue those directions? It is probably a little of both; and, unfortunately, there can be roadblocks and prolonged disconnects no matter which route is taken. [End Page 379] From the start we have defined a broad, contextualized, and multifunctional scope as the mission of portal. The first editors wrote essays on it, the author guidelines have been rewritten several times, and the editorial board is encouraged to do its refereeing with this in mind. Much of this has come from having a board made up of leaders in the field. Since the inception of the journal, we have been seeing significant changes in what libraries need to do on campuses to adapt not only to new forms of scholarly information but also to new ways of organizing campus services, evolving campus constituencies, and, notably, the significant impact of technology on every aspect of higher education. Making these kinds of changes is difficult and requires significant effort to develop resources and understanding, so solid research is needed more than ever to compare alternatives and to demonstrate the efficacy of methods. We seek to publish the kinds of articles that will both help libraries develop these new models and help other campus groups understand the interconnectedness of the issues. Prime examples of this interconnectedness are the development of information technologies, the advocacy around journal pricing for which faculty leadership is key, the digital archiving of e-science data, the design of collaborative space for developing scholarly work, and the changes in student learning that are mandating new services. None of these can be addressed by libraries in some sort of internally focused vacuum. portal seeks articles that are grounded in research and formal analysis; but we are open to a range of methodologies, and we especially encourage—or think we do—articles written by, or jointly with, academic faculty or technology...

Impact of online journals on citation patterns of dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy faculty

The past decade has seen a major shift in the journal collections of academic health sciences libraries. Libraries gained access to vast numbers of journals as never before possible when they moved into licensing large electronic journal packages instead of the traditional title-by-title print journal selections. These changes have been a boon to researchers, who presumably no longer have to travel across campus or even down the hall to the library for articles. Instead, they retrieve articles with just a few clicks on their home or office computers. Libraries are reducing their print collections due to decreased utilization and increased access to online journals [1–3]. The convenience of accessing the online collection remotely instead of having to walk into the library has been cited as a reason [4]. A previous study that examined the impact of online journals on the citation patterns of medical school faculty found that when medical faculty had access to a small print collection and a large online journal collection, the use of the print collection significantly decreased. However, when faculty had access to a large print collection in addition to a large online collection, the impact on the use of the existing print collection was minimal [5]. A 2006 study that surveyed health sciences librarians also found that researchers are still using print journals in this electronic age [6]. The purpose of this study is to determine how online journal collections are impacting the citation patterns of researchers in dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy. Journal citation patterns before and after the introduction of online journals will be examined to determine whether researchers are more likely to limit the journal articles they cite to those journals available online rather than those available only in print.

The Use of Web of Knowledge to Study Publishing and Citation Use for Local Researchers at the Campus Level

This paper provides information on a research project undertaken at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville to study publications by the campus researchers with an emphasis on the STEM (agricultural sciences, physical science, biological sciences, engineering and mathematics, etc.) disciplines at the macro level for a 3-year period. The overall objective of the study was to provide evidence-based data of periodical use to assist with collection decisions and to identify collection strengths at the university level. We used the Web of Knowledge database (Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index) to identify the periodical literature in which our researchers published and those that they cite in their publications. We also determined the extent to which our researchers are publishing in and citing periodicals from the Elsevier, Wiley, and IEEE journal packages. A methodology for extracting citations from Web of Knowledge into an Excel spreadsheet is also provided.

Journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa

This article is based on part of a survey that investigated journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa. A study population consisting of 17 university libraries in South Africa was surveyed by means of an online questionnaire to establish the factors that influenced journal cancellations. Interpretation of the results revealed that South African university libraries, like most academic and research libraries world wide, have been adversely affected by high priced journal subscriptions and many libraries have simply cancelled subscriptions to pay for ongoing subscriptions. Recommendations are made about enhancing library budgets and access to usage statistics, supporting consortia and avoiding restrictive journal packages.

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management. 2nd ed

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management. 2nd ed

Development of a new academic digital library: a study of usage data of a core medical electronic journal collection

The current study evaluates the results of a previously reported method for creating a core medical electronic journal collection for a new medical school library, validates the core collection created specifically to meet the needs of the new school, and identifies strategies for making cost-effective e-journal selection decisions. Usage data were extracted for four e-journal packages (Blackwell-Synergy, Cell Press, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, and ScienceDirect). Usage was correlated with weighted point values assigned to a core list of journal titles, and each package was evaluated for relevancy and cost-effectiveness to the Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM) population. The results indicated that the development of the core list was a valid method for creating a new twenty-first century, community-based medical school library. Thirty-seven journals are identified for addition to the FSU COM core list based on use by the COM, and areas of overlapping research interests between the university and the COM are identified based on use of specific journals by each population. The collection development approach that evolved at the FSU COM library was useful during the initial stages of identifying and evaluating journal selections and in assessing the relative value of a particular journal package for the FSU COM after the school was established.

Purchase of Journal Portfolios by Research Libraries is not Cost-Effective and May Lead to Normalization of Collections

Purchase of Journal Portfolios by Research Libraries is not Cost-Effective and May Lead to Normalization of Collections

Journal Package Plans

We are still in the early and dynamic stages of applying new price models to both paper and online journals, and the package plan approach offers new conditions for which we need to develop better understandings, appropriate review and decision trees, and adequate support models. This article will attempt to highlight a few of the recent modifications and situations science libraries are experiencing when considering and maintaining journal package plans.

Collaborative Journal Purchasing Today: Results of a Survey

ABSTRACT Libraries have joined consortia to increase their purchasing power, and in recent years they have been focusing on electronic journal packages. Purchasing a publisher's entire journal list, often called a Big Deal, seemed to be a good answer at first, but many librarians and libraries found that this solution was restrictive on their budgets and detrimental to their collections. In response, publishers became more flexible about allowing libraries to collaborate on the journal title lists. Survey results show that these collaborations are becoming more prevalent because the benefits outweigh the difficulties.

Looking below the surface

AbstractThe licensing of packages of electronic journals by consortia of libraries has been traditionally presented as a “win–win” system. This article ascertains whether this assumption is fulfilled among the members of the Spanish consortium CBUC. The study of the electronic journals consulted with regard to subjects and scientific areas shows that some universities make more use of them than others, taking into account their relative potential in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty members. The methodological model used has proved to be viable for studying patterns of use at more detailed levels than the general institutional level normally covered by COUNTER-compliant reports.

Using Comparative Online Journal Usage Studies to Assess the Big Deal

This paper analyzes the comparative findings of two studies undertaken at the University of Florida Libraries comparing online journal usage statistics derived from COUNTER-compliant publishers. The analyses conducted in 2005 and 2006 were not intended to be rigorous scientific studies. Instead, the statistical assessments were intended as tools for determining trends in the costs and use of online journals at the University of Florida. The studies also explored the relationship between the large publisher online journal packages (the so-called Big Deals often licensed through consortia arrangements) and online journal usage, and the effects of Big Deal packages on library budgets.

Editorial: the future of scientific publishing

Koen MartensEditor-in-ChiefYou are now consulting Volume 600 of Hydrobio-logia. It has just appeared, in the middle of a fast-changing world of scientific publishing. A mere 10years ago, scientists wrote a manuscript, put threehard copies in an envelope and submitted it to ajournal. Subsequently, if all went well, it wasaccepted, publishers printed the paper, librariesbought the journals and scientists spent a few hoursevery week in the library going through newly arrivedjournals, and that was that, nothing to it, everybodyhappy. Or were they?In a relatively short period of time, many more anddifferent opportunities have arisen for authors,libraries and publishers. For starters, nearly allinternational journals now have online submissionand web-based editorial systems. More hidden fromauthors, but not of any less interest to them, is thestreamlined production process, almost invariablyoutsourced and using uniform software systems.Librarians also saw their metier changing fast: theyhad to adapt to the fact that there were significantshifts from paper to online consultation of journals(and one may well ask if paper versions of journalsare doomed), as well as from library-based funding ofpublication (journal subscriptions) to pay-per-paperin open-access forums. In addition, rather than sellindividual journals to individual libraries, publishersnow like to sell large packages of journals (a 1,000titles or more) to a consortium of users, for examplethe consortium of Canadian universities.What has all this meant to members of thescientific communities at large, who are, simulta-neously, authors, referees and readers? For you also,times have been a-changing. The most considerableof these over the last 10 years, I dare guess, havebeen an increased work load, higher pressure toproduce, and a decrease in time available to do whatyou are generally paid to do: to think! This hasresulted in some measurable effects. First, there is acommon decrease of what constitutes ‘‘the leastpublishable unit’’, because authors are forced topublish more and to do so in higher ranked journals.

Awards for Best Geoscience Publications

Four Earth science publications were honored by the Geoscience Information Society (GSIS) at its meeting held in conjunction with the 2007 meeting of the Geological Society of America. The four‐volume Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science, published by Elsevier in 2007, received the Mary B. Ansari Best Reference Work Award as an outstanding reference work in the field of geoscience information published during the previous 3 years. Lura E. Joseph, associate professor of administration and geology librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, received the GSIS Best Paper Award for her article, “Image and figure quality: A study of Elsevier's Earth and Planetary Sciences electronic journal back file package,” published in the September–December 2006 issue of Library Collections, Acquisitions, and Technical Services. The Best Guidebook Award recognized two books: Geology of the Chama Basin, published by the New Mexico Geological Society in 2005, and 1906 San Francisco Earthquake Centennial Field Guides, published by the Geological Society of America in 2006.

Looking below the surface: The use of electronic journals by the members of a library consortium

The licensing of packages of electronic journals by consortia of libraries has been traditionally presented as a “win–win” system. This article ascertains whether this assumption is fulfilled among the members of the Spanish consortium CBUC. The study of the electronic journals consulted with regard to subjects and scientific areas shows that some universities make more use of them than others, taking into account their relative potential in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) faculty members. The methodological model used has proved to be viable for studying patterns of use at more detailed levels than the general institutional level normally covered by COUNTER-compliant reports.

Package deals unwrapped … or the librarian wrapped up? “Forced acquisition” in the digital library

PurposeThis paper sets out to give an overview of the history of electronic journal package deals in Flanders and the role of consortia. The influence of package deals on libraries' budget, collection management and their role in the advancing monopolization of the information market are highlighted. The article also seeks to clariy why package deals were so attractive in the beginning but turned into a poisoned chalice for many. As an illustration of why it is so hard to get out of a deal, an average package deal license agreement is described.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses personal experience and views supported with background literature.FindingsThe article advocates better co‐operation between libraries and directed communication with the scholarly community which hold the key to making alternatives work.Originality/valueA resource for those not (completely) familiar with package deals and their wide influence. The available alternatives and the remaining obstacles are described.

Risk Analysis of an Electronic Journal Collection

The decision-making process to move a library's periodical subscriptions from print to electronic versions involves a careful analysis of the risks involved as well as the benefits to the library and the institution. The benefits of electronic journals to a library include easy access to journal contents throughout the institution, completeness of journal contents, availability of supplemental, electronic-only content, space savings, time saved from elimination of journal processing, and no need to bind journal back issues. Some of the risks involved in electronic journal collection development are lack of continuing control over access to content, embargo of current content, and varying content of journal packages. There is increased reliance on electric power and Internet service for journal content with electronic journals. Analysis of the risk involved in an electronic journal collection involves a thorough analysis of the institution's tolerance for risk, the library's mission, and the availability of technical support for electronic access within the library and the institution.

Image and figure quality

AbstractAfter purchasing Elsevier's Earth and Planetary Sciences electronic journal back file package, problems with image and figure quality in articles became evident. Personnel at Elsevier verbally committed to rescanning any issues having at least one image or figure of unacceptable quality, if staff at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign would identify the problem issues. A study of 35 titles in the Earth and Planetary Sciences back file package revealed that, of the 6038 issues published before digital format was available, 73.6% had at least one image with unacceptable quality. The implications of poor image quality in electronic journals should be considered when libraries are deciding whether to discard print copies. Publishers and librarians should work together to ensure that print journals converted to digital format are of acceptable quality.

Passing on the Editorial Red Pencil

Passing on the Editorial Red Pencil

The impact of electronic journals on interlibrary lending: A longitudinal study of statewide interlibrary loan article sharing in Illinois

Interlibrary loan (ILL) article sharing data from the 26 largest libraries in Illinois were collected in 1995/96, 1999/00, and most recently in 2002/03. The OCLC Management Statistics Service supplied the data with the permission of the participating libraries. Longitudinal data analysis focused on the changes that have taken place in article sharing over the past eight years within the state, offering insights into the impact of access to electronic journals. Results show a decline in the number of ILL article requests among the 26 largest libraries in Illinois: a near 26% drop in overall article requests took place between these libraries from 1999/00 to 2002/03, a much larger decline than was expected. The data provide answers to frequently posed questions concerning the impact of electronic journal packages on ILL article sharing and offer some insight concerning the future of ILL in the age of full-text online article availability.

A Snapshot in Time

For the past decade, ARL has been tracking its members' expenditures on electronic resources. In 2001/02, 92% of the almost $1.4 million spent by the typical university research library on these resources went to electronic journals. Due to this significant and increasing investment in electronic journals, ARL undertook an extensive survey of its members' electronic journal subscriptions in fall 2002 to better understand the issues libraries are facing in ensuring that electronic resources can be used effectively on campus. A second survey was conducted in 2003 to ascertain how libraries were dealing with their journal package renewals and what licensing issues were of greatest concern to the community.