It's hard to believe that just a few months back, a Zoom call was an awkward novelty for most of us. But crises require innovation, and the pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual meetings and transformed the common conference call forever. AWWA, like other large organizations, has adapted quickly to an increasingly digital world. This adaptation is clearly evident in how AWWA delivers its publications. In 2019, AWWA introduced its online-only research journal, AWWA Water Science, which is continuously published, meaning new content is regularly added and immediately available to read. The newly named Journal AWWA, formerly called Journal - American Water Works Association, was redesigned to be easier to use and more visually appealing. An added benefit of AWWA's ongoing digital transformation is the availability of archived online content. Not only can members access the most recent issue, they can access any published article from Journal AWWA dating back to 1914 and Opflow dating back to 1975. Continuing with the response to digital publishing trends and evolving member expectations, AWWA is implementing a 2021 strategy that introduces production efficiency for AWWA's periodicals and maintains global water professionals’ online access to research, best practices, and other timely information. Starting in 2021, AWWA will reduce the number of print issues for Journal AWWA and Opflow from 12 to 10 annually. Each periodical will print a combined January/February issue in January and a July/August issue in July. During the “off” months of February and August, the periodicals will introduce curated and timely collections of new and different content online. This means you have access to more collections of water-related information in February and August. For example, the online collections might include a consolidated assortment of the most popular recent articles. The collections might also include an anthology of sorts, with several articles focused on a single, time-sensitive water topic. You can count on us to notify you when it's time to tap into this new type of published content, and we will use your feedback to adjust what we publish. AWWA members will receive more diverse content than ever before. As Bill Murphy, AWWA's director of publications, put it, “We are always looking for new ways to deliver value to members, and if we can do that and achieve cost efficiencies, it's a win–win. The change in the number of print issues reflects a common trend in publishing. This adjustment allows us to provide additional content to our members.” AWWA Water Science provides the online, peer-reviewed articles focusing on the principles and innovations in water works and water supply. Journal AWWA has transitioned to broader water sector information that includes feature articles, columns (like this one), and news—available in print and online. Opflow features new and established technologies in water and wastewater operations—also available in print and online. AWWA members receive complimentary subscriptions to all three AWWA periodicals and full digital archives, so the articles are easily accessible and searchable anytime, anywhere, and from any device. Slightly reducing the frequency of the printed editions does not reduce the amount of valuable information provided. Busy AWWA members, including members from outside of North America, can access information whenever they need it. At the same time, the small reduction in printed issues allows for large production efficiency and, as a plus, less impact on the environment. (Let's not forget that making paper requires a lot of water.) AWWA's newly adopted 2025 Strategic Plan recognized that to be successful and sustainable in 2021, organizations must understand and embrace the digital transformation. Among its objectives are that AWWA will “Increase the use of technology through which AWWA and its members create and share knowledge resources” and “Enhance opportunities for global water professionals to connect and exchange knowledge and experiences.” Even before the new Strategic Plan was adopted, AWWA was advancing these objectives. We introduced envoi this year, a new digital platform for delivering technical content, which allows access to the most updated AWWA standards and manuals 24/7. We're offering video streaming on demand, allowing subscribers immediate access to AWWA's Safety First and WSO (Water System Operations) channels. We've also created the AWWA Exam Prep app, helping water operators prepare for certification on their phone or other digital devices. The new periodicals approach supports these Strategic Plan objectives. But one thing that can't be ignored—at least by me—is that with 10 printed editions of Journal AWWA, there will be two fewer “Last Drop” columns in 2021. As a result, you can rest assured that I'll endeavor to make every drop count!
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Mar 31, 2021
A.K Pandey + 2
Open Access
