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Online Learning

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Online Learning

ISSN: 2472-5730 (online) – 2472-5749 (print)

Website: http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/journals/

Purpose, objective, or mission: Online Learning Consortium is a community of higher education leaders seeking to improve and advance the quality of digital and online teaching.1

Formerly the Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, the goal of Online Learning is to “promote the development and dissemination of new knowledge at the intersection of pedagogy, emerging technology, policy and practice in online environments.”2

Target audience: “Scholars, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers in online education.”3

Publisher: Online Learning Consortium.

Peer reviewed? Yes, all articles are subjected to a traditional double-blind peer review.4

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Both online and in print.5

Content: Online Learning is looking for papers that “investigate how online environments amplify, shape, and contain teaching and learning.”6

They also welcome submissions on the following topics:

  • “online interaction
  • collaboration
  • individualized instruction
  • multimedia
  • adaptive environments
  • blended learning
  • issues of learning at scale (in both MOOCs and “traditional” online learning environments)
  • emerging technologies
  • analysis of large data sets in understanding online educational processes
  • effective approaches and interventions that promote online student engagement, persistence and improvement”7

Frequency of publication: “Online Learning is published 4 times a year, and entire issues are published from time-to-time around a single topic or disciplinary areas. Calls for papers for special issues include specific due dates, but general submissions are accepted year-round.”8

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/guide-authors/

Types of contributions accepted: 6,000 to 8,000 word papers.9

“Papers building on and/or developing theory and supported by rigorous methods are the norm. Occasionally, papers reviewing broad areas are published, including critical reviews of thematic areas.”10

Submission and review process: Email the journal’s managing editor for more information: sturdy.knight@onlinelearning-c.org. Papers are submitted via the Open Journal System on the Submit a Paper page.

The acceptance rate for papers is 25%.11

Editorial tone: Scholarly.

Style guide used: APA Style 6th Edition Style except where otherwise indicated.12

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The OLJ is not limited to the LIS field, but covers online learning across all academic subjects. This gives authors room to work outside of the realm of librarianship. OLJ could be a fitting journal for authors who have done extensive research on a topic, considering the standards that the journal upholds. Be sure to keep an eye out for calls for articles to be published in special, single topic journal issues.

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: OLJ can be found in the following databases: EBSCO, ERIC, H.W. Wilson Company, Cabell Publishing Inc., ERA Online, Ulrichs Web, Index Copernicus. The Online Learning Consortium is also a supporter of the Directory of Open Access Journals.13

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Worldwide, but focused in the U.S.

Reader characteristics: Readers come from many different backgrounds, with a common interest in the dissemination of new research on online learning. The journal is written for “scholars, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers” so the journal’s audience is well versed in the online learning environment and the literature written about it.

Reader knowledge of LIS subject matter: Varied.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Considering that OLJ is read by professionals from many different fields, it may be best to leave out LIS-specific jargon. Readers are interested in new knowledge and well researched topics, therefore in depth, scholarly articles may be best received.

Last updated: April 5, 2018


References

Show 13 footnotes

  1. “About,” OnlineLearningConsortium.org, accessed April 2, 2018, https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/about/
  2. “Journals,” OnlineLearningConsortium.org, accessed March 22, 2018, https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/journals/
  3. “Journals.”
  4. “Journals.”
  5. “Journals.”
  6. “Journals.”
  7. “Journals.”
  8. “Journals.”
  9. “Guide for Authors,” OnlineLearningConsortium.org, accessed April 2, 2018, https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/guide-authors/
  10. “Journals.”
  11. “Journals.”
  12. “Guide for Authors.”
  13. “Journals.”
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International Information & Library Review

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: International Information & Library Review

ISSN: Print ISSN: 1057-2317, Online ISSN: 1095-9297

Website: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ulbr20/current

Purpose, objective, or mission: “The overall mission of the International Information & Library Review is the provision of knowledge that will assist in the success of libraries and information-related institutions around the world.”1

Target audience: The target audience for International Information & Library Review is “library and information professionals and paraprofessionals in public, academic, special, government, and corporate environments” from around the world.2

Publisher: Taylor & Francis.3

Peer reviewed? Yes. “All papers in International Information & Library Review have undergone editorial screening and peer review.”4

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.

Content: With a global perspective and articles written by scholars and professionals from many different countries and institutions, the International Information & Library Review “focuses on three broad areas: policy and ethical issues, including digital values, around the world; the ways in which information technologies and policies are used to help in decision-making, problem solving and improving the quality of people’s lives; and designing and implementing information systems and services in libraries and other organizations around the world.”5

Besides original articles, regular columns include Digital Trends and the Global Library Community, Advances in Library Data and Access, The Library Workforce, Perspectives on Public Services, Global Postcards: Research, Projects, and Experiences from the Field, and Digital Heritage: Spotlight on Europe.6

Frequency of publication: Four issues per year.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Instructions for Authors and Invitation for Column Contributions.

Types of contributions accepted: International Information & Library Review publishes “current and anecdotal information” with an emphasis on “research, current developments, and trends related to library and information leadership and management; marketing, advancement, and development; collaborative projects and insights; scholarly communication and publication; collection development and management; technology and digitization; public and technical services; physical and virtual environments, and organizational behavior.”8 Besides original articles, the journal welcomes proposals and articles for its regular columns.9

Submission and review process: International Information & Library Review uses an online submission system for manuscript management and the peer-review process.10 The Taylor & Francis Authors Services website offers an overview of the publishing process and detailed instructions for authors.11 The journal uses Editorial Manager for the peer-review process, with detailed guidelines for authors.12

Editorial tone: The overall editorial tone is scholarly, especially for the original articles. Each column has its own guidelines and topics, so authors should read these and sample articles carefully if submitting an article or proposal to a particular column.13

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, sixth edition.14 Taylor & Francis provides a document outlining APA style.15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

International Information & Library Review is a well-established, highly regarded journal in the worldwide library and information science (LIS) community. LIS scholars and professionals who are conducting original research that appeals to a worldwide audience and who can contribute to the journal’s regular columns are a good fit for this journal. The journal’s authorship is from within and beyond the LIS community: “Contributions to the journal have come from staff or members of many different international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, IFLA, and INTAMEL, and from library and information scientists in academia, government, industry, and other organizations.”16 The journal does not court student authors, and contributors seem to be well-established professionals in LIS and related organizations, but column editors do invite proposals, which may be a way for LIS students to explore publishing in this high-level journal.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: International Information & Library Review has a worldwide scope and reach. Its audience includes “information scientists, librarians and other scholars and practitioners all over the world.”17 The journal is written in English for an international audience. Regional terms and practices should be explained.

Reader characteristics: Readers are LIS scholars, professionals, and practitioners from around the world, as well as stakeholders in international organizations, such as the United Nations, UNESCO, IFLA, and INTAMEL,18 who may not be in the LIS field but who are interested in international information-sharing practices and standards.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Overall, readers will have an advanced understanding of LIS subject matter, but because readers are from all over the world and sometimes from outside of the field, jargon, regionalisms, and novel practices should be explained.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Authors submitting to the International Information & Library Review are writing for an international readership. Readers expect “timely articles on research and development in international and comparative librarianship, information sciences, information policy and information ethics, digital values and digital libraries.”19 They are interested in how LIS practice and theory are evolving around the world–on the international stage and in particular regions–and how this might have an impact on their own policies and practices.

Last updated: April 2, 2018


References

Show 19 footnotes

  1. “Aims and Scope,” International Information & Library Review, accessed April 2, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=ulbr20.
  2. “Aims and Scope.”
  3. “Aims and Scope.”
  4. “Aims and Scope.”
  5. “Invitation for Column Contributions,” International Information & Library Review, accessed April 2, 2018, http://explore.tandfonline.com/cfp/bes/iilr-columns.
  6. “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
  7. “Journal Information,” International Information & Library Review, accessed April 2, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=ulbr20.
  8. “Aims and Scope.”
  9. “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
  10. “Instructions for Authors,” International Information & Library Review, accessed April 2, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=ulbr20&page=instructions.
  11. “Author Services,” taylorandfrancis.com, accessed April 2, 2018, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/.
  12. “Editorial Manager: Tutorial for Authors,” version 14.1-Q4/2017, www.ariessys.com, accessed April 2, 2018, https://www.ariessys.com/wp-content/uploads/EM-Author-English.pdf.
  13. See “Invitation for Column Contributions,” for links to each column’s guidelines.
  14. “Instructions for Authors.”
  15. “Taylor & Francis Standard Reference Style: APA,” tandf.co.uk, accessed April 2, 2018, https://www.tandf.co.uk//journals/authors/style/reference/tf_APA.pdf.
  16. “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
  17. “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
  18.  “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
  19.  “Invitation for Column Contributions.”
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Urban Library Journal (ULJ)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Urban Library Journal (ULJ)

ISSN: 1944-9682

Website: https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/

Purpose, objective, or mission: ULJ “addresses all aspects of urban libraries and librarianship.” The journal was formerly titled Urban Academic Librarian.1

Target audience: ULJ’s audience includes librarians, LIS students, and other professionals working in urban libraries, those serving diverse and urban populations, and those interested in these and related fields.

Publisher: ULJ is published by the Library Association of the City University of New York (LACUNY)2 and is sponsored by the Office of Library Services at CUNY Central.3 The journal is hosted by CUNY Academic Works.4

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.5

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online.6

Content: ULJ publishes research, theory, and practice articles addressing “all aspects of urban libraries and librarianship.”7 The journal has a regular book review section. Furthermore, the journal publishes Selected Proceedings from the 2017 LACUNY Institute, which regularly appear in one issue of each volume.8

Frequency of publication: ULJ “is published online on a rolling basis, and will be collected into issues twice per year.” 9

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Author Guidelines.

Types of contributions accepted: ULJ “welcomes articles dealing with academic, research, public, school, and special libraries in an urban setting”10 The journal’s scope is broad, as it invites manuscripts on “areas such as public higher education, urban studies, multiculturalism, library and educational services to immigrants, preservation of public higher education, and universal access to World Wide Web resources.” Further, the editors invite recommendations for columns or special issues.11 The website lists the most popular articles, according to full-text download statistics.12

Submission and review process: ULJ accepts submissions via the journal’s website.13 Authors can submit manuscripts at any time. Manuscripts that the editors determine to be in the journal’s scope are sent to at least two reviewers for double-blind peer review, and authors receive reviewers’ comments. The editors strive to make decisions on manuscripts, including peer review, within sixty days of receipt.

Editorial tone: Articles exhibit a formal, academic style.

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

ULJ is a long-established leading journal, and its peer-review process, emphasis on research, and scholarly tone make it a viable option for LIS professionals and scholars with experience in urban libraries or whose research focuses on theories and practices in urban and diverse settings. It may not be suitable for beginning or student authors, but those with workable ideas should not be discouraged from submitting.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data are not available for ULJ. LACUNY, the journal’s publisher, has about 150 members.15

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: LACUNY members are City University of New York faculty and staff, as well as library employees from affiliated institutions.16 ULJ editorial board members are mostly from CUNY campuses. However, the journal’s reach and relevance are broad because it is an open-access journal and its articles are of interest to LIS professionals throughout the United States and in other countries. It is written in English.

Reader characteristics: Overall, readers have master’s degrees in educational technology, computer science, and library science, and are associated with urban academic libraries. The journal is also relevant to librarians, library staff members, and other LIS professionals in a variety of libraries in urban settings or with diverse populations. Academic librarians and practitioners in other types of libraries, including school, public, and special, contribute to the journal, showing that the interest in urban libraries is emphasized more than the library type.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers will possess considerable knowledge about LIS topics and subjects, with many readers knowledgeable about the inner workings of academic libraries. However, specialized jargon should be avoided or explained, in order to appeal to a wide range of librarians.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

ULJ is a scholarly journal that publishes theoretical, practical, and heavily researched articles. Readers are from academic, public, school, and special libraries serving urban and diverse populations. Topics including services to immigrants, services to students, affordability and open educational resources, libraries as community spaces, advocacy, and the urban library setting are all suitable.

Last updated: March 23, 2018


References

Show 16 footnotes

  1. “About This Journal,” Urban Library Journal, accessed March 23, 2018, https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/about.html.
  2. “Publications,” lacuny.org, accessed March 23, 2018, https://lacuny.org/Publications.
  3. “About This Journal.”
  4. CUNY Academic Works, accessed March 23, 2018, https://academicworks.cuny.edu/.
  5. “About This Journal.”
  6. “About This Journal.”
  7. “About This Journal.”
  8. For example, Urban Library Journal 23, no. 2 (2017), https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol23/iss2/.
  9. “About This Journal.”
  10. “Author Guidelines,” Urban Library Journal, accessed March 23, 2018, https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/author_guidelines.html.
  11. “About This Journal.”
  12. “Most Popular Papers,” Urban Library Journal, accessed March 23, 2018, https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/topdownloads.html.
  13. “Submit Article,” Urban Library Journal, accessed March 23, 2018, https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cgi/login.cgi?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Facademicworks.cuny.edu%2Fcgi%2Fsubmit.cgi%3Fcontext%3Dulj&context=ulj.
  14. “Author Guidelines.”
  15. “Paid Members,” lacuny.org, accessed March 23, 2018, https://lacuny.org/Paid-Members.
  16. “Join Us,” lacuny.org, accessed March 23, 2018, https://lacuny.org/Membership.
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Technical Services Quarterly

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Technical Services Quarterly

ISSN: 0731-7131 (print), 1555-3337 (online)

Website: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wtsq20/current

Purpose, objective, or mission: Technical Services Quarterly is “dedicated to providing a forum for the presentation of current developments and future trends concerning the technical operations of libraries and information centers.” Its purpose is to keep readers informed of developments and research and “practical implementation of systems and applications of traditional and non-traditional technical services and the public operations they influence and sustain.”1

Target audience: LIS professionals, particularly those who are involved with the technical operations of libraries and information centers.

Publisher: Taylor & Francis.2

Peer reviewed? Yes.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.4

Content: Technical Services Quarterly publishes original articles on research, theory, and implementation of all aspects of technical services in library and information centers. Regular columns include Technical Services Report, Tech Services on the Web, Reviews (of software and books), and Trending Tech Services.5

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.6

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Instructions for Authors.

Types of contributions accepted: Technical Services Quarterly “accepts original research, theoretical, and implementation articles pertaining to technical services, automation, networking, document delivery, information technology, library instruction and information literacy, reference and bibliography, case studies, cost analysis, staffing, space, organizational behavior and leadership, and collection development and management.”7 The journal advises authors to include a literature review and provides a link to guidelines.8

Submission and review process: Technical Services Quarterly uses Routledge’s Submission Portal to manage manuscripts. Manuscripts “undergo editorial screening and peer review by anonymous reviewers.”9 Taylor & Francis provides an Author Services website that gives a helpful overview of the publishing process.10

Editorial tone: This is a scholarly journal dealing with technical aspects of LIS geared toward professional technical operations of a library. As such, articles are technical and scholarly in tone. LIS-specific terms are used with the underlying assumption that the reader is familiar with them. While the language and tone are technical and scholarly, articles must also be interesting and readable.

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition.11

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Technical Services Quarterly is geared towards LIS professionals, especially those whose interests lie in the technical operations of libraries. For authors and researchers whose manuscripts are geared toward current and future trends in collection methods, technical services, OCLC, metadata, document delivery, among other subjects, this journal is ideal for submission. Articles have addressed interlibrary loan, ebook cataloging and management, low-cost textbooks, and technology-specific studies and reviews; there is a wide variety of librarian roles represented.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: This is a print and online journal published in the United States. Although it does have appeal for international librarians due to its technical nature, Technical Services Quarterly is geared toward American libraries and uses American English. Editorial board members are from U.S. universities and libraries.12

Reader characteristics: This journal is geared toward LIS professionals in the technical field who are interested in the latest trends.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers are most likely to be LIS professionals and, given the technical nature of this journal, will be highly knowledgeable of LIS terminology and practice.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers of Technical Services Quarterly are LIS professionals who are highly interested in the latest technical information and research. Readers are interested in cutting-edge technology and how it is being implemented in libraries and information centers. Writers who follow trends and understand how the technology of libraries is evolving would be the best bet for this journal.

Last updated: March 21, 2018


References

Show 12 footnotes

  1. “Aims and Scope,” Technical Services Quarterly, accessed March 21, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=wtsq20.
  2. “Aims and Scope.”
  3. “Instructions for Authors,” Technical Services Quarterly, accessed March 21, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=wtsq20&page=instructions.
  4. “Journal Information,” Technical Services Quarterly, accessed March 21, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=wtsq20.
  5. “Aims and Scope.”
  6. “Journal Information.”
  7. “Aims and Scope.”
  8. “Instructions for Authors.”
  9. “Instructions for Authors.”
  10. “Author Services,” taylorandfrancis.com, accessed March 21, 2018, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/.
  11. “Instructions for Authors.”
  12. “Editorial Board,” Technical Services Quarterly, accessed March 21, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=wtsq20.
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Weave: Journal of Library User Experience (Weave UX)

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Weave: Journal of Library User Experience (Weave UX)

ISSN: 2333-3316

Websitehttps://www.weaveux.org

Purpose, objective, or mission:Weave is a peer-reviewed, open access, web-based publication featuring articles on user experience (UX) for librarians and professionals in related fields.”1

Weave provides “a forum where practitioners of UX in libraries can have discussions that increase and extend our understanding of UX principles, research, and design.” Its primary aim is “to improve the practice of UX in libraries, and in the process, to help libraries be better, more relevant, more useful, more accessible places.”2

Target audience:Weave’s intended primary audience consists of people in libraries who are using or are interested in using UX. That means not only people whose job title or primary areas of responsibility are UX-related, but anyone at all who has an interest or stake in improving library experience for users, and that includes everyone who works in a library, from administrators to instruction librarians to catalogers.”3

Publisher: Michigan Publishing, a division of the University of Michigan Library.4

Peer reviewed? Research-based scholarly articles are subjected to a double-blind review process. Weave‘s Dialog Box provides a platform for non-scholarly pieces published in a variety of formats.5

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online.

Content: Weave primarily publishes full-length, peer-reviewed, scholarly articles. It also publishes “non-scholarly, conversational pieces,” which “extend beyond the traditional book review section and feature critical dialogue not only with books, but with other media that set the boundaries of library UX.”6

Frequency of publication: Issues are published twice a year.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines:  https://mpub.janewaysharedhosting.com/weaveux/submissions/

Types of contributions accepted: Weave is looking for two types of submissions:

  • Full-length, scholarly articles of relevance to user experience in libraries, subject to a double-blind, peer-reviewed process.
  • Dialog Box is intended for “pieces which avoid the traditional scholarly voice,” and provides a forum for “a richer, more inclusive, and engaging discussion.” Submission formats vary widely and include practitioner interviews, ethnographic and/or personal narratives, interactive pieces, artwork, zines, and more.8

Submission and review process: Before writing an article, Weave asks that you send a short pitch using their pitch template to provide the following information: working title; brief description of how the article will advance user experience in libraries; why you think it’s a good fit; what value Weave‘s readers will get from the article; where you are in the writing process; your institutional affiliation; and additional authors. 9

Editorial tone: Professional.

Style guide used: APA style is used for in-text citations and references. The Chicago Manual of Style is used for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other general style issues.10

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Weave editors are committed to advancing the conversation on user experience in a library setting. It is an opportunity for UX professionals to learn from each other and share their ideas. Authors are welcomed to contribute both practical and theoretical material. Whether you have ideas you want to explore or have already composed a full-fledged article, Weave is an excellent place to start if you want to write about user experience in the LIS field.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation data such as page views are not publicly available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Weave is an English-language, open access, web-based publication with an international readership. Editors are experts in the field of user experience, and based in Canada and the United States. The journal has published articles from authors in England, Canada, Israel, Australia, and Sweden, in addition to the United States.11

Reader characteristics: Weave‘s readers include anyone with an interest in improving users’ library experience. They may be UX practitioners or other professionals working in libraries or related fields. 12

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers may have expertise in user experience practices, or have some familiarity with UX in a library setting.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Prospective authors should consider how their article would advance user experience in libraries, as well as further the goal of helping libraries “be better, more relevant, more useful, more accessible places.13

Last updated: September 10, 2020


References

Show 13 footnotes

  1. “About,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, accessed September 10, 2020, https://www.weaveux.org/about.html
  2. “Editorial Philosophy,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, accessed September 10, 2020, https://www.weaveux.org/about.html#philosophy
  3. “Editorial Philosophy.”
  4. “About.”
  5. “Editorial Philosophy.”
  6. “Submit,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, accessed September 10, 2020, https://mpub.janewaysharedhosting.com/weaveux/submissions/
  7. “Archive,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, accessed September 10, 2020, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/w/weave/12535642.*
  8. A. Scarlet Galvan, “Dialog Box: A New Call for Submissions,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience 2, no. 1 (2019),  http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/weave.12535642.0002.103
  9. “Submit.”
  10. “Weave Article Template,” Weave: Journal of Library User Experience, accessed September 10, 2020, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DAivBYdF8NnToUdnEHULRlp3z8elklqW/view
  11. “Archive.”
  12. “Editorial Philosophy.”
  13. “About.”
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The Southeastern Librarian (SELn)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: The Southeastern Librarian (SELn)

ISSN: 0038-3686

Website: http://www.selaonline.org/sela/publications/SEln/issues.html

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Southeastern Librarian (SELn) “is the official publication of the Southeastern Library Association (SELA).” The journal publishes “articles, announcements, and news of professional interest to the library community in the southeast”1

Target audience: The library community of the southeastern United States as well as members of SELA.2

Publisher: Southeastern Library Association.3

Peer reviewed? Yes.4

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online.

Content: For each volume, SELn publishes four issues that report SELA business, juried articles, book reviews, and state library/personnel news. The journal “represents a significant means for addressing the Association’s research objective.”5 Regular sections include Articles, Book Reviews, and News Articles.

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Guidelines for Submissions and Author Instructions.

Types of contributions accepted: Manuscripts submitted to SELn “need not be of a scholarly nature but should address professional concerns of the library community. SELn particularly seeks articles that have a broad southeastern scope and/or address topics identified as timely or important by SELA sections, round tables, or committees.” SELn also accepts articles with a broad range of information sources, not limited to the purely scholarly: “News releases, newsletters, clippings, and journals from libraries, state associations, and groups throughout the region.”6 SELn also accepts book reviews for consideration.7

Submission and review process:

For articles, the “manuscript will be acknowledged by the editor. Incoming manuscripts are added to a manuscript bank from which articles are selected for each issue.” The editor assigns manuscripts to at least two reviewers for blind review. Following the review, the author will be notified of the publication decision; articles are usually published within twelve months.8

For book reviews, “submissions will be judged on writing style, content and perceived interest to the readership of the journal.” Those reviews solicited by the editor receive preferential consideration.9

Editorial tone: SELn publishes both juried articles and news and association items. Scholarly articles have an academic tone but a readable style, whereas news articles are more informal. Articles that are not scholarly should “address professional concerns of the library community.”10 A review of the most recent articles reveals well-researched, referenced, and academic writing.11

Style guide used: Latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.12

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This journal provides a good opportunity for LIS practitioners, educators, and students based in the southeastern United States to publish original research and scholarship. Potential authors should consider joining SELA in order to identify topics of interest to members through the association’s sections, roundtables, and committees.13 LIS authors can also submit book reviews. Further, SELn has issued a call for volunteer reviewers; a reviewer must be a member of SELA and have two years professional experience and two published peer-reviewed articles (or equivalent).14

 

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: SELA members are able to access current issues online.15 Back issues one year past are available to all through DigitalCommons.16

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Readers are based in the southeastern United States. “State library associations of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are eligible to be constituent members of the Association.”17 As this publication focuses on a particular group of states, there will generally be a shared cultural understanding of relevant topics. However, as the SELn covers a fair number of states, specific regional terms should be explained.

Reader characteristics: SELA membership “may include any person, library or other organization . . . interested in the promotion and fostering of library and information services in the southeastern United States.”18 The audience will share a concern for the betterment of libraries in this region.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: As members of SELA, readers will have knowledge of LIS subject matter and jargon.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers of this journal will have a variety of interests in LIS issues, especially those whose relevance is demonstrated in the context of the southeastern United States. SELn readers are LIS professionals and students throughout the region, so there is an interest in a wide variety of research and scholarship that will benefit and advance practices in all LIS environments .

Last updated: March 14, 2018


References

Show 18 footnotes

  1. Homepage, The Southeastern Librarian, accessed March 14, 2018, http://www.selaonline.org/sela/publications/SEln/issues.html.
  2. Homepage.
  3. Homepage.
  4. “Guidelines for Submissions and Author Instructions,” The Southeastern Librarian, accessed March 14, 2018, http://www.selaonline.org/sela/publications/SEln/guidelines.html.
  5. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  6. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  7. “Guidelines for Book Reviewers,”The Southeastern Librarian, accessed March 14, 2018, http://www.selaonline.org/sela/publications/SEln/bookreviewers.html.
  8. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  9. “Guidelines for Book Reviewers.”
  10. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  11. SELn Archives, digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu, accessed March 14, 2018, https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/seln/.
  12. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  13. “Guidelines for Submissions.”
  14. “Call for Reviewers,” The Southeastern Librarian, accessed March 14, 2018, http://www.selaonline.org/sela/publications/SEln/reviewers.html.
  15. “Homepage.”
  16.  SELn Archives.
  17. “Southeastern Library Association Handbook,” 2014 edition, p. 9, accessed March 14, 2018, http://selaonline.org/sela//contacts/SELA_Handbook.pdf.
  18. “Southeastern Library Association Handbook,” p. 7.
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Library Trends

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Library Trends

ISSN: 0024-2594 (Print) and 1559-0682 (Online)1

Website: http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library_trends/index.html

Purpose, objective, or mission: Per their site, “Library Trends is an essential tool for professional librarians and educators alike. Every issue explores critical trends in professional librarianship, and includes practical applications, thorough analyses, and literature reviews.”2

Target audience: College and research libraries, public libraries, library systems and networks, special libraries, and international college and research libraries.3

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press.4

Peer reviewed? Yes.5

Type: LIS scholarly; provides resources for the professional development of librarians and educators, with its research-oriented analysis of current library trends, literature reviews, and coverage of practical applications.6

Medium: Print and online.7

Content: Articles on library trends, practical applications, special libraries, emerging technologies, and more.8 Recent article topics include empowerment as it pertains to connectivity (specifically, Native Americans affiliated with Standing Rock, as well as parents living in rural parts of the Congo), informed asset-based pedagogy, and LIS services through WeChat in Chinese university libraries.9

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.10

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library_trends/guidelines.html

Types of contributions accepted: Library Trends does not accept single-article submissions; rather, each issue covers a specific topic, and manuscript submissions are invited and organized by guest editor(s). “Articles published in Library Trends are typically in the range of 4,000-10,000 words, not including references and supplementary material. Longer or shorter submissions can be accommodated, but this is dependent on the significance of the content and subject to consultations with the guest and general editors.”11

Submission and review process: “Articles must be submitted in Microsoft Word, typically via e-mail or an electronic file sharing service, to the guest editor, who will then shepherd it through for review.”12

Editorial tone: “The style and tone of the journal is formal rather than journalistic or popular.”13

Style guide used: The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition.14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Library Trends is an excellent choice for LIS authors who work well with specific writing prompts. “A guest editor proposes the theme and scope of a new issue, draws up a list of prospective authors and article topics, calls for submissions to the issue, arranges for review of the manuscripts, provides short annotations of each article’s scope, and prepares a statement of philosophy guiding issue development.”15 Working closely with a guest editor in such a structured manner allows LIS authors to hone desirable skills such as discipline and teamwork. It also provides valuable networking opportunities. All in all, this journal is a prestigious choice for both new and seasoned LIS authors.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: “Print circulation: 459.”16

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The journal is published in English in the U.S.17, so it’s safe to say that a substantial portion of its readers live in the U.S. However, as mentioned above, many articles cover issues pertaining to libraries around the world, so authors should limit colloquialisms, specific cultural references, etc. to ensure their pieces appeal to readers worldwide.

Reader characteristics: No readership information is provided, although the journal allows advertisers to rent lists of subscribers who belong to a variety of scholarly associations, including the American Studies Association (ASA).18 Most readers will be interested in scholarly topics and will likely have advanced degrees. The publication notes, “Issue topics for Library Trends are developed in many ways. We value recommendations from professional librarians, archivists, and other information personnel, from members of the faculties of schools of library and information science, and from others whose concern is with issues of the management of cultural heritage,”19 suggesting that many readers value the preservation of cultural heritage as it pertains to libraries.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers are likely to have a solid understanding of LIS issues and terminology pertaining to public libraries, international libraries, research libraries, special libraries, etc.20

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers expect authors to provide well-researched articles on new and emerging LIS trends.21Additionally, readers will expect a thoughtful analysis of the theme in question (e.g., empowerment for the volume 66, no. 2 issue).22 Finally, due to the journal’s international focus, readers will expect authors to be well-informed on the ways specific cultures and LIS trends intersect.

Last updated: March 12, 2018


References

Show 22 footnotes

  1.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  2.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  3. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  4.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  5.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  6. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  7.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  8.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  9. Antony Bryant, ed., “Table of Contents.” Entire issue, Library Trends 66, no. 2 (2017).
  10. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  11. “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  12.  “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  13. “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  14.  “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  15. “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  16. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  17. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  18. “Mailing List Rental,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 12, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/advertising-mail-lists/mailing-list-rental
  19.  “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  20. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  21. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  22. Antony Bryant, ed., “Table of Contents.” Entire issue, Library Trends 66, no. 2 (2017).
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School Libraries Worldwide

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: School Libraries Worldwide

ISSN: 1023-9391

Website: https://iasl-online.org/publications/slw/index.html

Purpose, objective, or mission: The official research journal of the International Association of School Librarianship, School Libraries Worldwide publishes professional, current research and scholarship on all aspects of school librarianship.1

Target audience: Academic researchers and public school librarians worldwide.2

Publisher: International Association of School Librarianship (IASL).3

Peer reviewed? Yes.

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online with an IASL subscription; some articles have public access.4

Content: School Libraries Worldwide publishes new scholarly works and current research on all aspects of school librarianship from around the world. Most issues include a theme section with an editorial and several articles.5

Frequency of publication: Two times per year, January and July.6

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Guidelines for Contributors and Current Call for Papers (downloadable Word document).

Types of contributions accepted: School Libraries Worldwide invites new scholarly works, including research reports and reviews of research, on any aspect of school librarianship. Issues usually include a theme section; theme editors will occasionally call for submissions of personal narrative, commentary, and opinion papers.7

Submission and review process: Manuscript are submitted to the online journal system, where authors can track their papers through the review process. “The average turnaround time to first decision is about 60 days, with an approximate acceptance rate of 50%.” Submissions that are considered appropriate for the journal are blind reviewed by at least two members of the Editorial Board.8

The current Call for Papers should be consulted to note the theme and content of the upcoming issues, but content on school librarianship in general is always accepted.9

Editorial tone: Professional and accessible, with an understanding of the worldwide audience.10

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), 6th edition.11

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This is an ideal journal to submit different types of scholarship on school librarianship: practice, research study findings, reviews of studies, and personal experience (of the author or of students), in general or as the current theme allows. It is particularly fascinating to read accounts of triumphs and difficulties faced by those in school library positions in other countries and current onformation on programs, technologies, and practices that will be helpful in a variety of settings (rural, urban, university, grade school, etc.). Students are encouraged to submit work, and the open-access article per issue, one that covers a popular, engaging topic, is an exciting goal to reach for.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: As the official journal of IASL, School Libraries Worldwide is an English-language publication for an international audience. The submission guidelines firmly note that “authors need to be mindful of the international audience of the journal. In most cases, authors can use the library terminology that is used in their locale. However, when writing about schools and students, it is important to state the age of the students being educated in those schools.” The guidelines indicate that authors should explain terminology used to identify schools: lycee, high school, compulsory school, etc.12

Reader characteristics: Readers of the journal are interested in school librarianship and emerging thoughts and trends in the field. This is a positive journal exploring best practices and techniques that can benefit anyone working or studying school librarianship. Members of IASL include people who are concerned about school library media programs and services — librarians, school library media specialists, educators, publishers, and lay people. IASL is a worldwide organization that, in addition to providing an international forum for discussing school librarianship issues, works with other professional associations to provide guidance and development for school library programs. The overall goal is creating effective programs: this is a very professional, respected, positive publication that strongly believes in its mission and uses the journal to spread the education.13

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Strong, but as with the caution on explaining the age of students in the articles, authors should consider explaining any technical LIS jargon or regional terms.14

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers of this journal are interested in what you have to share concerning school librarianship. Articles range from international standards for school librarianship, to profiles of teacher librarians, to connecting teacher librarians and classrooms around the world. There is certain to be a topic that LIS students who are studying school librarianship will be able to research or write about for this publication of open, interested peers.

Last updated: March 7, 2018


References

Show 14 footnotes

  1. “Guidelines for Contributors,” School Libraries Worldwide, accessed March 7, 2018, https://iasl-online.org/publications/slw/contributors.html.
  2. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  3. Homepage, School Libraries Worldwide, accessed March 7, 2018, https://iasl-online.org/publications/slw/index.html.
  4. Homepage.
  5. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  6. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  7. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  8. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  9. Homepage.
  10. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  11. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  12. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
  13. “Handbook of Organization,” iasl-online.org, accessed March 7, 2018, https://iasl-online.org/about/organization/index.html.
  14. “Guidelines for Contributors.”
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Reference Services Review (RSR)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Reference Services Review: Reference and Instructional Services for Libraries in the Digital Age (RSR)

ISSN: 0090-7324

Website: http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/journals.htm?id=RSR

Purpose, objective, or mission: Reference Services Review (RSR) “is a leading journal dedicated to the enrichment and advancement of reference knowledge and the improvement of professional practice.” Further, the journal “raises questions, explores new frameworks for user services, advances fresh analyses and research and proposes solutions to diverse operational issues facing librarians and information professionals.”1

Target audience: Librarians, information professionals, and LIS students, especially those interested in reference, instruction, and public services.

Publisher: Emerald Publishing.2

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online.

Content: RSR articles “draw upon traditional areas of inquiry within the fields of information studies and education, as well as from newer interdisciplinary perspectives such as critical pedagogy” and relate to “all aspects of reference and library user services in a digital age.”4 RSR regularly publishes special issues, such as 2017’s two-part Transfer Students and Students in Transition.5

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Author Guidelines.

Types of contributions accepted:  RSR publishes research papers, viewpoints, technical papers, conceptual papers, case studies, literature reviews, and general reviews. The author guidelines provide a description of each article type in the Article Classification section.6 Topics are wide ranging, including user research, instruction, digital services and software, assessment, management, and any topic relevant to improving and innovating reference services.

Submission and review process: Articles are submitted to RSR using ScholarOne Manuscripts. The editor reviews the manuscripts and sends those that are appropriate for the journal to at least one independent referee for double-blind peer review.7  Reviewers are “distinguished practitioners, managers, administrators, educators, and scholars from library and information studies and higher education, as well as other fields.”8 Additional manuscript requirements and a production cycle with approximate dates and deadlines for the current volume are available on the Author Guidelines page.9

Editorial tone: Professional and academic.

Style guide used: Harvard style in-text citations and reference list. Examples are provided in the Author Guidelines.10

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

RSR is a strong choice for librarians and information professionals looking to publish scholarship and research on topics relating to reference and readers’ advisory, instruction, information literacy, and public services. It is interdisciplinary in nature, so LIS authors who write from other disciplines or perspectives (for example, critical pedagogy) will find an outlet here. Furthermore, RSR is a leading journal that “provides a quick and efficient service to first-time authors.”11

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: RSR “is available as part of an online subscription to the Emerald Library Studies eJournals Collection.”12

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: RSR is a North American English-language journal. It is widely abstracted and indexed.13 The editorial board consists of LIS professionals from North America, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada, so although the articles have an overall North American focus, the reach of the journal is international.

Reader characteristics: Readers include LIS practitioners, managers, administrators, educators, scholars, and students, with a wide range of professional interests in the area of reference services. RSR “is valued reading by the majority of North American library schools with its ‘au courant’ focus.”14

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers will have a high familiarity with terminology, trends, and best practices relating to reference services; they will also be LIS graduate students familiar with but learning about these topics.

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

A typical reader of this journal will be an LIS professional or graduate student looking for innovative approaches and thoughtful analysis that is written in an accessible style.

Last updated: March 6, 2018


References

Show 14 footnotes

  1. “Aims & Scope,” Reference Services Review, accessed March 6, 2018, http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/journals.htm?id=RSR.
  2. “Aims & Scope.”
  3.  “Author Guidelines,” Reference Services Review, accessed March 6, 2018, http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/author_guidelines.htm?id=rsr.
  4. “Aims & Scope.”
  5. See Reference Services Review 45, no. 2 (2017), http://www.emeraldinsight.com/toc/rsr/45/2,  and 45, no. 3 (2017), http://www.emeraldinsight.com/toc/rsr/45/3.
  6. “Author Guidelines.”
  7. “Author Guidelines.”
  8. “Aims & Scope.”
  9. “Author Guidelines.”
  10. “Author Guidelines.”
  11. “Aims & Scope.”
  12. “Aims & Scope.”
  13. “Aims & Scope.”
  14. “Aims & Scope.”
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Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ)

ISSN: 1094-9054

Website: https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq

Purpose, objective, or mission: Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ) “is the official journal of the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association. Its purpose is to disseminate information of interest to reference librarians, information specialists, and other professionals involved in user-oriented library services.”1

Target audience: Reference librarians, information specialists, students, and information professionals worldwide, as well as members of the Reference and User Services Association.

Publisher: American Library Association.2

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access to all issues.4

Content: RUSQ disseminates information in areas of interest to librarians, including “reference services, collection development, reader’s advisory, resource sharing, technology for reference and user services, and other aspects of user services.”5 Further, “through its many columns, reports, and reviews the journal also publishes an array of useful professional information.”6 Regular columns include From the President of RUSA, For Your Enrichment, Information Literacy and Instruction, Management, Amplify Your Impact, Readers’ Advisory, The Alert Collector, and A Reference for That.

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submissions.

Types of contributions accepted: Potential authors need to read the article “Thoughts on Scholarly Writing: Suggestions for Authors Considering Publishing in RUSQ,”7 by Barry Trott, the journal’s editor. This article explains RUSQ‘s acceptance, review, and publication process. It is also a helpful resource for authors who want to publish in any scholarly journal.

RUSQ “publishes empirical (quantitative and qualitative), theoretical, and historical research and essays as peer-reviewed featured articles.”8 Manuscripts submitted to RUSQ need to be within the journal’s scope, which includes “all aspects of library services to adults in all types of libraries.”9

Submission and review process: Manuscripts are submitted in a digital format as an e-mail attachment to the editor.10 Manuscripts go through a double-blind peer-review process.11 The peer-review, acceptance, revision, and publication process is detailed in Trott’s article.12

Editorial tone: The overall tone is scholarly with clarity. Articles should be grammatically correct and written in a simple, readable style.13

Style guide used: Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, and its companion website. The submission guidelines offer examples of the required endnote format. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, or the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary should be consulted for questions relating to spelling and word division.14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

RUSQ is the journal of the Reference and User Services Association, which is a division of the American Library Association. As such, it is a leading journal in the field of adult user services. RUSQ is an ideal place for librarians and LIS professionals in public, academic, and special libraries to publish research and scholarship that uniquely contributes to the theory and practice of reference services to adult library users and that moves the profession forward. It may be a better forum for advanced, rather than novice, LIS writers.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: RUSQ is a U.S.-based journal written in English. The journal is affiliated with the American Library Association, so readers are concerned with issues related to libraries in America, and they are aware of and seek out more global perspectives on these issues. RUSQ became an open-access journal in order to reach more readers worldwide and to benefit librarians everywhere, especially where subscription costs are prohibitive.15 

Reader characteristics:  RUSQ readers are librarians, information professionals, and students in academic, public, and special libraries who have a keen interest in developments in the field of adult reference and user services. With the open-access policy, RUSQ‘s readership is expanding outside of North America, and writers should assume a global audience of professionals and students. Trott addresses RUSQ editors’ and readers’ expectations: “Prospective authors will make their manuscripts more attractive to editors and to readers by looking for areas that have not already been widely explored. If you are examining a topic about which much has been written lately, you need to make clear what your work brings to the discussion and how it forwards that discussion in useful and perhaps provocative ways.”16

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: RUSQ readers are very familiar with LIS subject matter. However, the journal’s style emphasizes that articles be readable and clearly written. “The tone of feature articles in RUSQ should be scholarly, but scholarly writing does not need to be impenetrable and obscure. Active voice, declarative sentences, and attention to language are all important.”17

Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors

Readers of RUSQ are LIS professionals and students working in all types of libraries and information centers. Potential authors must take into consideration the fact that readers belong to a certain segment of the library and information science field, particularly on the service side of librarianship, and articles must be aimed at informing and advising this portion of the profession. Authors should keep in mind the journal’s international scope and its emphasis on scholarly but straightforward writing.

Last updated: March 6, 2018


References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. Home, Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq.
  2. “Journal Sponsorship,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/journalSponsorship.
  3. “Editorial Policies,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/editorialPolicies.
  4. “Editorial Policies.”
  5. “Submissions,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions.
  6. “Editorial Policies.”
  7. Barry Trott, “Thoughts on Scholarly Writing: Suggestions for Authors Considering Publishing in RUSQ,” Reference & User Services 53, no. 1(2013):2-4, http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.53n1.2.
  8. “Editorial Policies.”
  9. “Submissions.”
  10. “Submissions.”
  11. “Editorial Policies.”
  12. Trott, “Thoughts.”
  13. “Submissions.”
  14. “Submissions.”
  15. Barry Trott, “RUSQ Moves to Full Open Access,”Reference & User Services Quarterly 57, no 1(2017):2-3, http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.1.6433.
  16. Trott, “Thoughts.”
  17. Trott, “Thoughts.”
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