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New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship

By Maria Notarangelo on February 14, 2018 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship

ISSN: 1361-4541 (print), 1740-7885 (online)

Website: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcll20/current

Purpose, objective, or mission: The New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship “is multidisciplinary in nature, providing opportunities for the ‘pure’ discussion of children’s literature, and of issues relating to one of the key places in which to find such literature — libraries for young people.”¹

Target audience: Those working in the field of children’s and adolescent literature around the world, including public and school librarians, scholars, critics, and teachers.²

Publisher: Taylor & Francis.³

Peer reviewed? Yes.⁴

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.⁵

Content: The New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship is international in scope and publishes articles on a broad range of topics in the field of children’s and adolescent literature and library services, including “the management of library services to children and adolescents; education issues affecting library services; user education and the promotion of services; staff education and training; collection development and management; critical assessments of children’s and adolescent literature; book and media selection; and research in literature and library services for children and adolescents”⁶

Frequency of publication: Two issues per year.⁷

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Instructions for authors.

Types of contributions accepted: The New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship accepts “original papers of both an experimental and theoretical nature,” as well as those grounded in practical issues in children’s and adolescent literature and library services. The journal publishes original research and scholarship on a broad range of professional issues in children’s and adolescent library services as well as theoretical analyses and discussions of children’s and adolescent literature.⁸

Submission and review process: Manuscripts and all editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor⁹ for editorial screening and peer review.¹⁰ Taylor & Francis provides a general overview of the publication process.¹¹

Editorial tone: The tone is academic and appropriate for an international audience.

Style guide used: MLA Handbook (8th ed.).¹²

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship is an appropriate outlet for LIS scholars, practitioners, and researchers from around the world who are writing about children’s and adolescent literature and library services. The journal publishes high-level research and analyses, as well as theoretical articles and those with practical application.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation numbers are not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The New Review of Children’s Literature is international in scope and is published in English. The journal’s editor is based in the United Kingdom, as are many members of the editorial board. In addition, there are editorial board members from Ireland, France, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and Thailand.¹³

Reader characteristics: Readers are most likely public and school librarians, as well as researchers in children’s library services and teachers and critics of children’s literature.¹⁴

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: As an academic journal, it can be assumed that most readers have a solid professional knowledge of LIS subject matters.

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

Readers of the New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship have a high level of knowledge of the topic and expect to read articles that further their knowledge with well-reasoned analysis and research presented in a straightforward writing style. Readers are also practicing librarians who look to the journal for “informed comment and advice.”¹⁵ The journal’s readership is international, and so authors should provide some context for regional practices.

Last updated: February 14, 2018

References

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Medical Reference Services Quarterly

By Maria Notarangelo on February 7, 2018 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Medical Reference Services Quarterly

ISSN: 0276-3869 (print), 1540-9597 (online)

Website: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wmrs20/current

Purpose, objective, or mission: Medical Reference Services Quarterly “covers topics of current interest and practical value in the areas of reference in medicine and related specialties, the biomedical sciences, nursing, and allied health.” The journal publishes practice-oriented and research articles on medical reference services, with a focus on “user education, database searching, and electronic information.”¹

Target audience: Medical Reference Services Quarterly is an “essential working tool for medical and health sciences librarians” aimed at “professionals who provide reference and public services to health sciences personnel in clinical, educational, or research settings” in the fields of medicine, biomedical science, nursing, allied health.²

Publisher: Taylor & Francis.³

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.⁴

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.⁵

Content: Medical Reference Services Quarterly publishes original practical and research articles on health sciences librarianship. Regular columns include Online Updates, Emerging Technologies, Hospital Information Services, Informatics Education, From the Literature, and Book Reviews.⁶ Recent topics include using the Internet for providing medical information, using biomedical databases, managing medical reference services, continuing education, marketing, user education, document delivery, patient education, ready reference, and collection management, all within the context of medical reference services.⁷

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.⁸

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Instructions for authors.

Types of contributions accepted: “Medical Reference Services Quarterly covers topics of current interest and practical value in public services librarianship in the areas of medicine and related specialties, including the biomedical sciences, nursing, and allied health. MRSQ has expanded its scope to cover most aspects of health sciences librarianship, including health informatics, information literacy, collection development, and management of health sciences libraries”⁹

Submission and review process: Submissions are submitted via email to the editor as Word file attachments. Manuscripts are screened for originality.¹⁰ Manuscripts are “are peer reviewed using a rigorous, double-blind process” by two reviewers assigned based on subject expertise.¹¹

Editorial tone: Formal and scholarly.

Style guide used: Chicago Publication Manual, 16th ed.¹²

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Medical Reference Services Quarterly is a journal for LIS professionals who specialize in medical and health science information services in clinical, educational, or research settings, and who produce articles of practical application and original research. Authors should be aware that this is a high-level, “highly acclaimed,” professional and research journal, with an emphasis on articles that analyze and evaluate practical application in all types of medical and health science library and information settings.¹³

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Not provided.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Medical Reference Services Quarterly is written in English for a U.S.-based audience. The editors and editorial board members are from U.S. institutions.¹⁴

Reader characteristics: Readers are likely to be well educated (often having a science or medical degree and an LIS degree) and to expect articles they can apply to improve the services they provide to their users. Readers have a shared interest in reference services, medical information, and technology. Subscribers to this journal seem to value well-researched and well-written articles that will help them in their work.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers, given the specific nature and focus of this journal, will probably have a general knowledge of LIS subject matter with extensive, in-depth knowledge of medical reference services and research.

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

Readers and authors will likely be professionals and researchers already in the field of medical reference services. Furthermore, faculty and librarians involved with developing programs on information literacy, embedded librarianship, and library instruction directed to medical and clinical students, for example, will find practical, in-depth articles to read and a high-profile journal in which to publish.

Last updated: February 7, 2018

References

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Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning

By Lisa Lowdermilk on January 29, 2018 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning

ISSN: 1533-290X (Print) and 1533-2918 (Online)¹

Website: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/WLIS

Purpose, objective, or mission: “The Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning addresses the issues and concerns of librarians and information specialists in the rapidly growing field of distance education.”²

Target audience: The journal primarily targets scholars, librarians, and library students.³

Publisher: Routledge.⁴

Peer reviewed? Yes.⁵

Type: LIS scholarly.⁶

Medium: Print and online.⁷

Content: The journal reports that it “addresses a wide variety of subjects that are vital to the field, including but not limited to: collection development strategies, faculty/librarian partnerships or collaborations, cutting edge instruction and reference techniques, document delivery, remote access, evaluation, etc.”⁸

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.⁹

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=wlis20&page=instructions#.UxCmcYVUPpw

Types of contributions accepted: The Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning is comprised of “original research, theoretical papers, substantive articles, essays, book and literature reviews, and research reports that cover programs and innovations throughout the international community.”¹⁰ Submissions should include an abstract with a maximum of 100 words, while the main text should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words. Additionally, submissions cannot be previously published and cannot be simultaneously submitted to another publication. Authors should provide 3-10 keywords for indexing purposes.¹¹

Submission and review process: Both editorial screening and peer review are conducted anonymously.¹²Authors should submit manuscripts electronically via ScholarOne Manuscripts at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/wlis.¹³

Editorial tone: While the journal is scholarly in nature, many of the articles cover practical subjects, such as reference techniques.¹⁴

Style guide used: APA Publication Manual.¹⁵

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning provides an excellent forum for LIS authors interested in publishing scholarly articles in the specific and emerging field of distance learning. In particular, library instructors with experience using Web 2.0, virtual reference, LibGuides, etc. in conjunction with distance learning will feel right at home with this journal’s subject matter.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation figures not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The primary audience for this publication is the United States, and–to a slightly lesser degree–other English-speaking countries such as Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.¹⁶

Reader characteristics: Although the journal does not provide information about its readers, its website reports that it covers “programs and innovations throughout the international community.”¹⁷ The journal’s focus on distance learning contributes to its international reach. Readers consist mainly of librarians, LIS instructors, and LIS students who value education, specifically programs and innovations in distance learning relating to LIS education. Workplaces for these readers primarily include academic libraries and institutions.¹⁸

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning addresses a wide variety of subjects relating to distance learning within the field of LIS. Because most readers will have familiarly with the LIS field, LIS authors will not have to explain familiar LIS concepts.¹⁹

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

LIS authors should keep in mind that that the readers of this journal have extensive knowledge of distance learning specifically within the LIS field. As long as they are aware of the specialized nature of this journal, potential authors can use this forum to make valuable connections and establish professional rapport.

Last updated: January 29, 2018

References

Show 19 footnotes

The Active Librarian

By Lisa Lowdermilk on April 5, 2015 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: The Active Librarian

ISSN: 2379-9528¹

Website: http://www.activelibrarians.com

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Active Librarian (TAL) is devoted to publishing repeatable and data-driven initiatives in order to improve the services of public librarianship.² TAL aims to become a centralized “repository of best practices among public librarians for developing new services and enhancing existing ones.”³ Its goal is to enhance the profession by publishing needed program analysis and assessment.”⁴

Target audience: LIS professionals working in public libraries.⁵

Publisher: Michael J. Carlozzi.⁶

Peer reviewed? Yes.⁷

Type: LIS professional news.⁸

Medium: Online.

Content: The publication reports on specific initiatives, services, programs, and protocols. Articles should provide concrete details about projects and programs so that other public libraries can use the information to develop, implement, or enhance their own services.⁹

Frequency of publication: TAL plans to publish one volume per year with nine issues; although the publishing schedule may be adjusted to meet supply and demand.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines:
http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope

Types of contributions accepted: The journal seeks reports on public library initiatives, programs, or services—for example, a recently adopted adult literacy program. Acceptable topics may include any library-related idea that can be generalized to and applied by other librarians—for example, “fostering an educational partnership, configuring credit card payments, developing a community ‘make space,’ writing a troubleshooting guide for Envisionware’s Time Management service, becoming a passport processor.”¹⁰ The journal’s submission requirements emphasize articles of “practical application rather than theory-building or historicizing.”¹¹

Submission and review process: Submissions may not be previously published, or under consideration before other journals. All articles undergo a peer-review process (unless an article is solicited by an editor). The editors determine whether an article is appropriate for publication in TAL, after which the article is submitted to at least two referees in a blind process wherein the referees are anonymous to the authors. Submissions may be accepted, accepted with minor revisions, accepted with major revisions, or declined.¹²

Editorial tone: According to the journal’s submission requirements: “TAL is a practical rather than academic journal.” The tone should be professional but not overly academic, “easy to read but not juvenile.”¹³

The journal adheres to important practices of publishing original peer-reviewed work, but forgoes overly-rigid academic norms in order to emphasize application. A TAL article does not require a literature review, exhaustive references, or deep statistical analysis. However, an article must include a clear, direct explanation of a project or program so that may be replicated.¹⁴

Style guide used: APA.¹⁵

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The journal presents a new opportunity for LIS professionals to share projects that have been implemented in a public library setting. (As of this writing, no issues have been published.) Authors need not be a public librarians to publish in TAL, but their work must be applicable to or done in partnership with public libraries. For example, academic librarians are encouraged to submit if their work can be generalized or applied to public librarianship, or if working in concert with public libraries. TAL intends to be a forum for professional exchange for projects that are best publicized widely and freely.¹⁶

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: The journal is entirely open access. According to an ALA Library Fact Sheet, there are approximately 137,000 paid library staff in the United States.¹⁷

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The editors are based in the United States, so it may be inferred that the audience will be primarily U.S.-based. However, international (non-American) submissions are also welcome.¹⁸

Reader characteristics: Expect that readers are well-acquainted with public library issues and trends. Readers will want to know how their libraries might benefit from the work other public libraries have done, and the features and steps to implement such efforts.¹⁹

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: As a professional publication, most readers will be familiar with issues relevant to public libraries such as outreach and marketing, technology demands, computer networking, digital literacy instruction, collection development, among other areas.²⁰

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

The TAL website notes that “public librarians typically do not readily enjoy professional development opportunities that other LIS professionals do. Unlike colleagues in academic positions, [public librarians] often cannot attend distant conferences or take sabbaticals, purchase expensive database subscriptions, limiting exposure to cutting-edge research; and many do not have time apportioned for pursuing large-scale research projects. But our work benefits from the same professional exchange as academic librarians; the patrons we serve are no less important, and our community outreach is arguably greater and more critical.”²¹ If your library does something well and you want to share it, TAL provides an excellent forum for doing so.

Last updated: May 13, 2016

References

Show 21 footnotes

Australian Library Journal (ALJ)

By Lisa Lowdermilk on May 10, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Australian Library Journal (ALJ)

ISSN: 0004-9670 (Print) and 2201-4276 (Online)¹

Website: http://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-library-journal-alj

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Australian Library Journal (ALJ) is the “flagship publication of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), supporting the Association’s Objects by documenting progress in research and professional practice and stimulating discussion on issues relevant to libraries and librarianship.”² This internationally recognized journal “showcases the best of Australian library and information research and practice.”³

Target audience: Australian LIS community⁴

Publisher: Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group⁵

Peer reviewed? Yes⁶

Type: LIS scholarly⁷

Medium: Print and online; open access after four years⁸

Content: The Australian Library Journal “contains a wide coverage of Australian library issues ranging from ongoing research to day-to-day articles from practitioners in the workplace.”⁹ The content includes theory- and practice-based writing, as well as book reviews.¹⁰ As a supplement to each issue of the journal, the ALIA publishes a series of themed, online-only book reviews.¹¹

Frequency of publication: Quarterly¹²

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=ualj20&page=instructions#.VN0EDS4YFZJ

Types of contributions accepted: ALJ welcomes submissions on a variety of library and information topics, ranging from ongoing research to practical articles directly relevant to the workplace.¹³ The use of Australian English and spelling is preferred. Manuscripts should include a title page with acknowledgements of any funding an abstract of up to 300 words, up to six keywords, implications for best practice, the main text of up to 5,000 words, references, appendices, any tables with captions on separate pages, and a list of any figure captions.¹⁴

Of special note is the journal’s “Librarianship-in-Practice” section, for shorter case studies of projects and programs that have already been implemented.¹⁵ Articles for this section should observe a 2,000 to 2,500 word limit, and adhere to an organizational structure outlined on the publication website.¹⁶

ALJ also features an extensive book review section, in both its print and online versions, and an in an online-only version.¹⁷ Those wishing to review books should first consult the online instructions.¹⁸

Submission and review process: Detailed submission guidelines can be found on the publisher’s website.¹⁹

Editorial tone: Scholarly²⁰

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition²¹

Conclusion: Evaluation of the publication’s potential for LIS authors

The Australian Library Journal offers a variety of publishing opportunities for LIS authors. Whether it’s original research, advancements in professional practice, or book reviews, there are many different writing avenues to explore. As this journal focuses on Australian library and information research, potential authors should tailor their writing to this geographical area. For North American authors, the potential for publication seems to be greatest as a book reviewer, as the book review section features publications by the wider global community.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation statistics are not readily available for this journal. However, as the flagship publication for the ALIA, the journal is received by 800 institutional members of the professional organization.²²

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The majority of readers are Australian and the content reflects this. Authors should be aware of the language and cultural differences between the United States and Australia. As per the submission guidelines, “Australian English spelling and punctuation are preferred.”²³ Colloquialisms and cultural references unique to the United States should be avoided.

Reader characteristics: ALJ does not provide demographic information of its readers. As it is the flagship publication of the ALIA, however, it is likely that the majority of readers hold memberships in ALIA, which serves 4,200 individual members and 800 institutional members.²⁴ Readers of the ALJ hold a wide variety of professional and research interests within the LIS field.

Reader knowledge of LIS subject matter: Although some readers may not be information science professionals, the majority work in LIS fields and would therefore be very knowledgeable about LIS subjects.

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

Australian Library Journal is an internationally recognized publication that holds high standards for its published works. This journal reaches a wide audience of library and information professionals who are interested in current research in the field as well as relevant issues in their workplaces. For current Australian residents, or even North Americans who have lived or travelled in Australia, this journal provides the potential author a large and knowledgeable audience. Although the majority of readers are Australian,²⁵ authors outside of Australia will find a publishing opportunity in the book review section.

Last updated: November 14, 2016

References

Show 25 footnotes

The Journal of Creative Library Practice

By Lisa Lowdermilk on March 13, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: The Journal of Creative Library Practice

ISSN: 2330-4227¹

Website: http://creativelibrarypractice.org/

Purpose, objective, or mission: From the website’s About page: “The Journal of Creative Library Practice provides an outlet for librarians and information professionals to describe and encourage greater creativity in library and information center communications, policies, collections, instruction, and other areas of librarianship.”²

Target audience: “This journal reaches librarians and information professionals of all types, including academic, public, school, special, medical, legal, and others.” The journal is working to broaden its readership to individuals outside the profession, to anyone interested in creative solutions to LIS issues; or anyone who wants to participate in discussions about creative issues and solutions.³

Publisher: Published as an online blog-format journal by Creative Library Practice⁴

Peer reviewed? Yes,⁵ though this blog-style journal also publishes non-peer reviewed content. The refereed articles are distinguished from the blog posts on the site.⁶

Type: LIS scholarly and professional⁷

Medium: Online,⁸ peer-reviewed blogposts⁹

Content: Posts on creative solutions to LIS issues.¹⁰

Frequency of publication: This online journal is updated as frequently as the editors write posts and peer-reviewed articles are accepted.¹¹

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://creativelibrarypractice.org/instructions-for-authors/

Types of contributions accepted: Any article focusing on creative solutions to LIS issues, including communications barriers, technology issues, reviews of relevant books or websites.¹²

Submission and review process: The website provides a link to email manuscripts in MS-Word .doc, .docx, or RTF format.¹³

Editorial tone: Editor Joseph Kraus, in a Q&A with Library Journal, stated, “We want to encourage prospective authors to write with less formal rhetoric.”¹⁴

Style guide used: References should be provided in a consistent format, whether Chicago, Turabian, MLA, or APA, or author may simply provide links to cited material.¹⁵

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The journal’s editors consider the publication to be an open source alternative to the stodgy print publications usually favored by the LIS community. They are a creative group open to all sorts of submissions, so this would be a great place to expand on an LIS student paper or thesis, or write about a creative approach tried at a library-related job, and how it helped the organization.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Statistics are not available, but as this journal is also an informal blog there is potential to reach a large audience.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The journal is online and the editors are LIS professionals at colleges and universities around the United States.¹⁶ The journal is written in American English.¹⁷

Reader characteristics: This journal appeals to forward thinking, creative, multidisciplined, against-the-grain LIS professionals seeking to share information with like-minded peers. The journal is written for and by LIS professionals in all possible settings, including academic, public, school, special, medical, and law libraries. It also aims to reach those readers who are interested in libraries but not necessarily working in them, including teachers, parents, students, and businesses.¹⁸

The journal was created by LIS professionals who wish to have a truly open access information sharing site that features creative solutions to common problems in information organizations. This is an open minded, nontraditional group that sees the value in current technologies and is working to take advantage of anything that can help the library community achieve its goals. The journal leans toward the informal, so potential authors should keep this in mind while writing for the publication. The goal is to provide articles from a variety of perspectives.¹⁹

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The knowledge level is probably quite high, but as the editors are attempting to appeal to laypeople as well as LIS students and professionals, potential authors should keep the jargon to a minimum and avoid highly technical terms and unusual acronyms.²⁰

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

The Journal of Creative Library Practice is part of a new LIS journal standard: using open access for peer-reviewed articles under Creative Commons licensing, and providing relatively loose guidelines in terms of content, and even citations.

Last updated: May 14, 2017

References

Show 20 footnotes

Education Libraries

By iSchool Admin on March 6, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Education Libraries

ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Website: http://educationlibraries.mcgill.ca/index

Purpose, objective, or mission: “Education Libraries is an electronic, refereed journal of the Special Libraries Association’s (SLA) Education Division. It offers a forum for new and challenging ideas in education, and library and information science. It also explores the effect of new technologies on the library profession and library and information curriculum.”¹

Target audience: The target audience is the membership of the Special Libraries Association, which includes those employed at “a variety of venues, including special libraries and information centers, academic libraries, public libraries, and school libraries.”²

Publisher: Special Libraries Association, Education Division³

Peer reviewed? Yes⁴

Type: LIS and Education; scholarly⁵

Medium: Online, open access since 2015⁶

Content: Education Libraries publishes scholarly articles, book reviews, member profiles, and case studies.⁷ Recent feature articles include faculty-librarian collaboration, 3-D printing in education libraries, collection development, and school library advocacy.⁸

Frequency of publication: Biannually⁹

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://educationlibraries.mcgill.ca/about/submissions#authorGuidelines

Types of contributions accepted: Education Libraries accepts “research studies, descriptive narratives, or other thoughtful considerations of topics of interest to the education information professional. Manuscripts focusing on issues relevant to more general concerns either in the field of education or in the field of library and information science are also welcome provided they include a significant component specifically germane to education, libraries and librarianship.”¹⁰

Submission and review process: Authors submitting manuscripts are required to register using a link provided on the publication website.¹¹ All submissions will be considered for publication and are subject to the double-blind peer review process. Inquiries about particular manuscripts may be sent via email to the editor. See the publication website for details.¹²

Editorial tone: Scholarly¹³

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) style manual, most recent edition¹⁴

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Education Libraries presents an interesting opportunity for LIS writers from different types of libraries to discuss and share information that is related to education. This journal is well established, which means writers can be assured that they are submitting their work to a credible source and contributing to the scholarly conversation.

The journal is indexed in Education Libraries is indexed in ERIC, EBSCOhost’s Education Collection, and Library Literature.¹⁵

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: According to the SLA’s website there are more than 9,000 association members based in more than 75 countries.¹⁶ Information about exactly how many are a part of the Education Division is not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Just as members of the Special Libraries Association are located around the world, the readers of Education Libraries are also international.¹⁷ Because this is an international publication, differences in language and cultural practice should be considered.

Reader characteristics: It is safe to assume the readers of this publication are interested in academic libraries and their role in education. Due to the professional focus of this publication the readership is largely comprised of individuals already working in academic libraries with considerable experience in the field. The readers of this publication are likely to value education and research. They are likely to be interested in learning about new technologies as well as in innovative teaching methods. Recent articles demonstrate a general acceptance of new technologies and changes in librarianship.¹⁸

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: It is likely that, as library employees, a majority of readers are very familiar with LIS subject matter. Additionally, we can assume that the readers are familiar with new information technologies issues as well as issues surrounding the growth of digital content in library collections.¹⁹

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

The most important characteristic of the Education Libraries audience is its interest in education and technology related to instruction and learning. Authors must keep in mind the fact that this journal is scholarly, and the widest audience is those who work in higher education libraries, therefore well researched studies are particularly important. Potential contributors writing book or technology reviews as well as opinion pieces may want to relate their subject back to its value to learning in order to appeal to the audience.

Last updated: April 13, 2017

References

Show 19 footnotes

Communications in Information Literacy

By Kelli Roisman on March 6, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Communications in Information Literacy

ISSN: 1933-5954¹

Website: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/comminfolit/

Purpose, objective, or mission: Communications in Information Literacy (CIL) is “an independent, peer-reviewed journal devoted solely to the advancement of research, theory, and practice in the area of information literacy in higher education.”²

Target audience: The primary audience for research articles are “academic librarians and library educators.” The primary audience for Innovative Practices, the section for peer-reviewed case studies, are “academic librarians and other library personnel and educators who are engaged in information literacy instruction.” The primary audience for the Book Review section, are “librarians and other professionals (student support staff, administrators, course instructors, or others) in higher education, who are concerned with teaching and learning.”³

Publisher: Communications in Information Literacy⁴

Peer reviewed? Yes⁵

Type: Scholarly⁶

Medium: Online. “CIL is an open access journal in the truest sense; there are no article processing charges or other regressive fees associated with authorship or publication.”⁷

Content: The “Research Articles” section includes “peer-reviewed feature articles, which may be research-based or theoretical in nature. Literature review papers are generally discouraged, but those including in-depth investigation and noteworthy conclusions will be considered.” The “Innovative Practices” section presents “peer-reviewed case studies that report on innovative information literacy instruction practices that are relevant to higher education contexts.” The “Perspectives” section “consists of provocative and thoughtful essays on various aspects of information literacy in academic libraries.” The “Editorials” section includes “essays written by the editors as they pertain to the state of the journal or current events in the discipline,” and also includes “invited works and regularly contributed columns.”⁸

Frequency of publication: Semiannual⁹

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/comminfolit/policies.html

Types of contributions accepted: “Manuscripts may be theoretical, research-based, critical, or have a practical focus.” “CIL does not accept simultaneously submitted or previously published manuscripts. However, CIL welcomes and encourages the submission of papers developed from professional presentations.” Unsolicited submissions for the “Research Articles” and “Innovative Practices” sections are accepted, however, it is recommended, though not necessary, that “prospective authors query the CIL editors before submitting their works.” Submissions to the “Perspectives” and “Editorials” sections are by invitation only.¹⁰

Submission and review process: Authors submit papers electronically. To facilitate the double blind review process, the author’s name and institutional affiliations are removed and replaced by bracketed placeholders. “The review process generally takes six to eight weeks to complete. Authors are notified promptly when a decision on their manuscript is made.”¹¹

Editorial tone: Scholarly¹²

Style guide used: Manual of Style of the American Psychological Association (APA), 7th edition¹³

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Communications in Information Literacy is a well established research journal, having published its first issue in 2007. CIL provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to advance research, theory, and practice in the area of information literacy in higher education. Prospective authors must be interested in publishing original research and should be prepared for a rigorous review process.¹⁴

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Because CIL is an online, open access journal, articles are downloaded individually. As of 4/2/2021, the number of total full-text downloads for the past year was 37,293, and the number of full-text downloads for the top ten articles ranged from 1,098 to 3,926.”¹⁵

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: CIL is online and open access, its readership is international. The geographical location of article downloads are viewable via an interactive world map.¹⁶

Interest in the field of information literacy is expanding rapidly in the age of the Internet the ability to process and evaluate information in the central role information literacy plays in shaping our social and political world . social and political influence profound impact on our . Therefore, CIL will appeal to a broad audience of journalists,

As this is an international publication, all potential authors should avoid using certain jargon or cultural references that others may not be able to understand. The CIL editors advise writers, “As we are a journal of information literacy, we assume our readership already has familiarity with the concept of information literacy and its application in library science. Therefore, the manuscript does not need to treat the concept of information literacy as something novel for our readers, particularly in the Introduction or the Literature Review. Unless your institutional definition of information literacy varies significantly from that of the ACRL, there is no need to provide a perfunctory definition of information literacy for our readers.”¹⁷

Reader characteristics: Though specific reader demographics are not available, authors may assume that the journal’s readers are international and the majority are employed in libraries at higher education institutions.¹⁸

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The primary readers of this publication are knowledgeable about library and information science issues. As noted above, readers have a clear understanding of information literacy and the issues surrounding the topic. It is likely that most readers have a firm grasp on technology, as this journal is only available online. As individuals interested in information literacy, readers probably work closely with electronic resources. It is clear that the audience of this publication values education and, above all, information literacy. They are interested in ensuring that communities have access to information and the ability to evaluate it adequately.¹⁹

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

It is important to note that because this publication is open access, authors’ work can be viewed for free by anyone searching the Internet, which could be a potential benefit. However, as it has an academic and research emphasis, it is most likely that the audience will be limited to those interested in higher education with a strong background in information literacy. Prospective authors should also keep in mind the growing field of information literacy and recognize the opportunity for new studies in this field, especially those that would be of interest in academic and research libraries and applicable internationally.

“The primary audiences for articles in this section are academic librarians and library educators, but we encourage contributions from all academic disciplines and from institutional administrators.”

Last updated: In progress April 2021

References

Show 19 footnotes

Make:

By Katie Wood on February 2, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Make:

ISSN: Print: 1556-2336¹

Website: http://makezine.com

Purpose, objective, or mission: A hybrid magazine/book (“mook”) specializing in DIY projects, particularly fun, at-home technology in categories like Home & Garden, Art & Design, Computers & Mobile, Craft, and Desktop Manufacturing. Article examples include “Learning to Build a Bot,” “Software for Makers,” and “Code Kids” programming tips. ² ”

As the leading voice of the maker movement, Make: publishes tested projects, skill-building tutorials, in-depth reviews and inspirational stories, accessible by all ages and skill ranges”³

Target audience: The target audience is rather diverse and includes anyone who is interested in learning how to build interesting projects, or simply want to see the projects of other people. ⁴

Publisher: Make Community, LLC. ⁵

Peer reviewed? No.

Type: Civilian publication and website for hobbyists and professionals.

Medium: Print and online.⁶

Content: Tutorials, projects, reviews, and articles related to education, science, and technology.

Frequency of publication: Print Magazine publishes four times a year, online updated more often.⁷

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://makezine.com/submissions.html

Types of contributions accepted: Make: accepts project submissions. “A project is a step-by-step set of instructions and photographs of a specific build that others can reproduce and reiterate upon, based on your documentation. The more you can document your project, the better. If that’s what you’d like to share, you can publish it on Make: Projects. If you’ve made something cool (or have come up with a cool hack or tweak for something) and want to show other people how to make one, we’d like to publish it. Note: We’re interested in hearing about things you’ve already made, not things you are just thinking about making.” ⁸

Make: also accepts other submissions. Submissions should fit into one of the following categories:

Reviews: “Reviews generally run only in print, although certain review categories are collected into Guides (check out our 3D Printer Guide, Board Guide, Drone Guide, and Holiday Gift Guide). If there’s a gadget, tool, website, newsletter, instructional video, book, magazine, instrument, or other device you already own and love, you can email your review to “Toolbox,” Make’s recommendation section, at toolbox@makezine.com, or you can submit it online. Reviews should be 50–250 words, and written in the first person. Think more “recommendation” and “experience” when you write these than “review.” We want to hear about your involvement with it. The old Whole Earth Review guidelines for reviews went like this: “Write your review. Then write us a letter explaining why we should devote space to your item. Throw away your review and send us the letter.” That’s the way to do it.”
Skill Builders: “Skill Builders are crash course introductions written by experienced makers for aspiring DIYers who have little to no experience with a given skill. You can browse Skill Builders on the site to get a better feel for what they are. If you’re an expert on something and feel we haven’t properly addressed all the intricacies and pro tips, consider sharing your knowledge in the form of a Skill Builder.”
Stories: “Stories are intentionally broad. Anything that falls under Show & Tell is acceptable (unless it’s a step-by-step of a specific build, then it should be a Project). If you’ve built a project that you want to share, but you don’t have sufficient documentation of step shots or materials lists, etc., you can showcase it as a story instead of a step-by-step project. Additionally, we want to see your stories. Your journeys. Your trials and tribulations and failures and hilarities. What’s the strangest experience you’ve had making something? If it’s surprising or funny, we’ll run it.”⁹

Submission and review process: To create a Project Submission, follow the steps at https://makeprojects.com/home?r=dvtzh For other submissions, send an email to editor@make.co

Editorial tone: The style used is informal and instructional. Make: emphasizes that the writer “is the reader’s coach,”¹⁰ indicating that writing should be conversational, as if you’re telling a friend something they don’t know.

Style guide used: There is no official style guide specified. “DO use clear and consistent language. Write with precision. Use correct terms for materials, components, and processes. What’s the pointy part of that one thingy? Please look it up. Carefully define directions and areas (top, bottom, right end, left edge, etc.), and use these terms consistently.” ¹¹

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

While the subject matter of the magazine does not directly relate to any library or information science subjects, libraries are at the forefront of the maker scene. Librarians who build/run programs utilizing makerspaces, 3-D printers, technology, electronics, and a do-it-yourself spirit might have something to contribute to this magazine, be it a tutorial or a story on a maker program within the library.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: The print magazine has a paid circulation of 80,000

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The subscription is only offered in U.S. dollars, which would most likely mean that its readers are all located in the United States. ¹² Of course, the magazine also has a web element, which could potentially be viewed by anyone with an internet connection. The magazine is written in English, and in a very informal manner. Although there is a possibility that your article will appear on the website and be viewed by someone outside of the United States, it seems safe to use American colloquialisms and slang. Also, since most of the readers will be very tech savvy, it would likely be appropriate to use technical language.

Reader characteristics: The website’s readers are 66% male and 100% college educated, with an average household income of $119,000. The magazine’s readers are 81% male, with an average age of 44, and mostly college educated. The audience is composed of teachers, parents, inventors, and “techy, savvy creatives.”¹³ [**Note: As of November 21, 2020, this information is no longer attached to an active link, so the details cannot be confirmed]

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The average reader would most likely have little to no knowledge of LIS topics and issues, and probably no knowledge of library jargon.

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

Since these readers would almost certainly be outside of the library world, it would be important to approach LIS subject matter in an approachable way. The use of makerspaces and other DIY, STEM-oriented programs and projects within the library would make great fodder for a contribution to this magazine. It would be important to keep your tone on a more lighthearted tone and avoid jargon as much as possible, or explain the jargon if its use is necessary.

Last updated: November 21, 2020

References

Show 13 footnotes

Journal of Education for Library and Information Science (JELIS)

By Lisa Lowdermilk on April 29, 2011 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Journal of Education for Library and Information Science (JELIS)

ISSN: 0748-5786 (Print) and 2328-2967 (Online)¹

Website: http://www.alise.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=445

Purpose, objective, or mission: “JELIS supports scholarly inquiry in library and information science (LIS) education by serving as the primary venue for the publication of research articles, reviews, and brief communications about issues of interest to LIS educators.”²

Target audience: LIS faculty and educators, and more specifically, ALISE members³

Publisher: Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)⁴

Peer reviewed? Yes⁵

Type: LIS and education scholarly⁶ JELIS is a peer-reviewed journal that features scholarly papers, original research, reports, and studies. Although the journal does also publish brief communications, reader comments, and guest editorials, its primary purpose is the presentation of scholarly research.⁷

Medium: Online⁸

Content: JELIS publishes peer-reviewed research articles that contribute to scholarship in the field of education in library and information science and brief communications on topics important to the field. The later is not subject to peer review, but editorial approval only.⁹

Frequency of publication: Quarterly¹⁰

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://ali.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=458

Types of contributions accepted: JELIS accepts submission of major articles of up to 7,000 words and more reflective, brief communications of up to 1,500 words.¹¹

Submission and review process: Manuscripts must be submitted via the online submission widget. The publication acknowledges the receipt of all submissions. Major articles go through a double-blind review process.¹²

Editorial tone: Formal and academic.¹³

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition. Additional information on style and formatting guidelines is included in the guidelines.¹⁴

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

As a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal in the field of LIS education, JELIS would be a suitable publication venue for those involved in academic librarianship or graduate-level teaching. Although its readership may be relatively small, publication in JELIS would definitely help in the process of building tenure and establishing professional credibility. Ulrichsweb notes that “(JELIS) Authors are most often professors in schools of library and information science.”¹⁵ However, information professionals, LIS faculty, and even LIS students with relevant experience and strong academic writing skills should consider submitting work to JELIS.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Actual numbers are not available, but JELIS is made available to all ALISE members, both individual and institutional, as a benefit of membership.¹⁶

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Although detailed geographic information is not available, the ALISE mission specifically mentions serving faculty in North America.¹⁷ JELIS is published solely in English, ¹⁸ and its North American base would suggest that most readers are comfortable communicating in English. Due to the prominent Canadian reader contingent, authors would definitely want to avoid colloquialisms and cultural references that are specific to the United States.¹⁹

Reader characteristics: Though demographic information on readership is not available, ALISE does note that its members are generally faculty in library and information science graduate programs.²⁰ It is difficult to make blanket characterizations in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity, as readers range from LIS students to deans. No detailed breakdown of reader workplaces is provided by JELIS or ALISE. The ALISE membership brochure notes that its members include “All levels of faculty, administration, students, librarians, researchers, educational institutions, and others interested in library and information science education.”²¹ Readers likely share a high level of education and a professional interest in LIS education and graduate-level teaching.

JELIS readers, particularly LIS faculty members, are likely to have established opinions based on their area of expertise.²² They are also likely to share the core values of librarianship and view the profession as highly important and relevant in both the academic and professional spheres. Yet JELIS does also feature divergent viewpoints and constructive criticism in its reader comments and guest editorials.²³

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: JELIS readers are extremely knowledgeable about LIS subject matter and well-versed in library jargon, particularly that which relates to education.²⁴ Authors will want to focus their submissions on the most relevant topics for LIS educators, as this publication is quite specialized and readers might not be interested in more general or overarching library concepts.²⁵

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

This is a scholarly publication that features specialized content geared towards a relatively small audience of LIS educators and students. Successful submissions will exhibit a professional and academic tone, and should specifically address emerging issues and trends in LIS education in the United States and Canada, or internationally. Appropriate topics might include technological advances in distance learning, course management systems such as Blackboard or WebCT, the use of Web 2.0 applications (i.e., blogs, wikis, podcasts) in teaching, or a comparative analysis of international LIS education. Additionally, authors might consider including original research to more effectively connect with JELIS readers.

Last updated: May 15, 2017

References

Show 25 footnotes

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