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
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