Electronic Publishing, Scholarly Communication, and the Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education

Abstract

Although in some parts of the academic community the popularity of electronic journals allows research to be conducted almost exclusively online, the social sciences, of which education is a part, have generally been slower to accept the electronic publishing (e-publishing) of journals and research data. Using a nationally distributed questionnaire, the readership of the Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education was asked to provide input on this topic. The discussion paper that follows presents the results of that questionnaire, framing them within the issues that underlie academic journals' decisions to move to e-publishing formats. As a Forum contribution, this paper is intended to generate response or discussion.

Towards Change: Continuing the Conversation on Electronic Publishing

“…The Forum piece, "Electronic Publishing, Scholarly Communication, and the Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education" (Conrad, 2002), began by outlining the debate over electronic publishing. Although it is hard to imagine, this debate began well over a decade ago.…”

“…resources, and skills for accessing electronic information and communication. Thus, before making a decision to move a journal to an electronic presence, it is important to investigate the views of a discipline's social practices, as was done by the editor of CJUCE (Conrad, 2002).…”

“…

In a previous Forum article (Conrad, 2002), survey results on the perceived acceptance of moving the Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education (CJUCE) closer to an e-publishing format were presented. These results and the ensuing discussion highlighted important issues associated with e-publishing formats based on the perspectives of the CJUCE readership.

…”

“…Dans un article antérieur du Forum (Conrad, 2002), on présenta des résultats d'un sondage basé sur l'approbation présumée des membres sur l'approchement de la Revue canadienne de l'éducation permanente universitaire (RCÉPU) canadienne de l'éducation permanente universitaire (RCÉPU) canadienne de l'éducation permanente à un format électronique. Tout en se basant sur les perspectives des lecteurs de la RCÉPU les perspectives des lecteurs de la RCÉPU les perspectives des lecteurs de la , ces résultats et discussions RCÉPU, ces résultats et discussions RCÉPU consécutifs ont mis en évidence des questions importantes se rattachant aux formats électroniques.…”