A survey of author attitudes and skills in relation to article publishing in paper and electronic journals

Abstract

The present paper details research conducted into various aspects of author experience, attitudes and perceptions of publishing in paper and electronic journals. A sample of 1,040 authors in a variety of disciplines was identified as having published a journal article in the preceding year. A questionnaire was distributed to these authors and 537 usable replies were received. The questionnaire was analysed in terms of author experience in the paper and electronic domains, authors’ views on various aspects of electronic journals and their current skills. The results of the questionnaire suggest a small but increasing willingness to submit articles to electronic journals, but also suggest continuing concern about the permanence of such media. Almost a third of the sample felt that the addition of multimedia to their articles would be beneficial but few had the necessary skills to produce and incorporate multimedia objects. It is concluded that authors should be involved more in future research and debate in electronic serial publishing.

A longitudinal study of scholars attitudes and behaviors toward open‐access journal publishing

“…One of the earliest surveys on authors' awareness, experience, and concerns for OA possibilities was Schauder's (1994) project among scholars in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States for “an assessment of the position of academics in relation to electronic publishing” (p. 73). Since then, surveys on this topic, though with diverse respondents, have been undertaken in every consecutive year until the new millennium (e.g., Anderson, Sack, Krauss, & O'Keefe, 2001; Björk & Turk, 2000; Budd & Connaway, 1997; Lancaster, 1995; McKnight & Price, 1999; Palmer, Speier, Wren, & Hahn, 2000; Shamp, 1992; Speier, Palmer, Wren, & Hahn, 1999; Sweeney, 2000; Tomney & Burton, 1998). These reports presented a clear picture of the early perceptions and practices of digital scholarly communication.…”

An Investigation of the International Visibility, Quality, and Impact of Journals Published in Tanzania

“…They disseminate their research findings and advance new ideas in books, conference papers, research reports, and journals. The journals, however, are perceived as the most prestigious and strongest of all the various outlets (Mcnight and Price 1999). Thus, publishing in journals indicates the quality and capability of an academician in undertaking research.…”

The peer‐review process

“…Whenever surveys of scholars' opinions about scholarly publishing have taken place, the maintenance of peer-review systems has been a top-priority requirement (The Royal Society, 1981;Rowland, 1982;McKnight and Price, 1999;ALPSP,1999ALPSP, , 2001ALPSP, , 2002.…”