Publication analysis
About the publication
Title: AIIP Blog (formerly AIIP Connections until March 2019)
ISSN: N/A
Website: https://blog.aiip.org
Purpose, objective, or mission: The Association of Independent Information Professionals created the AIIP blog in order “to showcase our members’ expertise, to highlight AIIP’s generous culture of knowledge-sharing, and to inspire the info-entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”1 The blog serves as a resource for independent business owners who provide information-related services.2
Target audience: Independent (not-employed) information professionals, individuals considering becoming independent information professionals, businesses or individuals seeking the services of independent information professionals, and business or individuals who work in any field of the information profession.3
Publisher: Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP).4
Peer reviewed? No.5
Type: LIS professional.6
Medium: Online.7
Content: Blog posts on professional development and business management tend to be the most sought-after pieces. Other common content topics include AIIP news, getting started in the profession, case studies and success stories, tips and strategies on growing IIP businesses, tech trends, and professional development tips.8
Frequency of publication: Continuously.9
About the publication’s submission guidelines
Location of submission guidelines: https://blog.aiip.org/contribute/
Types of contributions accepted: Original posts of 500-750 words in length on any specific topic within the subjects of research, information management and technology, marketing and communications, training and consulting, and writing and editing.10
Submission and review process: Content should be submitted in Google Docs or Microsoft Word format via email. The blog editors may make minor revisions without notification before posting.11
Editorial tone: Concise writing free of complex vocabulary is preferred. The use of bullet-points to make content more “scannable” to online readers is encouraged. The submissions guidelines page offers some helpful notes and resources on making online writing appealing and easy to read.12
Style guide used: No particular style is indicated. Read the submissions guidelines thoroughly for notes on preferred style.
Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors
The AIIP Blog provides an excellent forum for the LIS author who has interest in exploring a career as an independent information professional (or who is already engaged in the practice). This publication could also serve LIS authors who have specialized knowledge in research techniques which would cater to the needs of the independent information professional. While LIS authors may have specialized research knowledge on research techniques, potential works should be written with a focus on how such research techniques may impact on independent information professionals from a practical perspective.
Audience analysis
About the publication’s readers
Publication circulation: No circulation information is available. However, the blog links to many social media platforms that may increase readership of any particular post.13
Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The subject matter and readership of the blog is international in scope. Simple, clear, and concise English should be used to make material accessible to the wide audience.14
Reader characteristics: Readers consist primarily of independent information professionals engaged as specialized business owners. Readers share a collaborative approach in sharing ideas, experiences, and observations as independent information professionals.15
Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Many readers will have extensive knowledge of LIS subject matter; however, authors should refrain from using overly technical and elaborate language, and err on the side of simple explanation.16
Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors
LIS authors should be aware that the readers are primarily professionals who are engaged as entrepreneurs in the information field. Readers will expect articles specifically tailored to this field. While articles should be professionally written, readers will expect an approach which has practical applications or implications. LIS authors with specific knowledge in emerging techniques in the acquisition/management/distribution of information could use this publication as a forum if specifically tailored to the independent information professional.
Last updated: July 5, 2019
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