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
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