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Journal of Radical Librarianship

By on April 20, 2018 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Journal of Radical Librarianship

ISSN: 2399-956X

Website: http://journal.radicallibrarianship.org/index.php/journal/index

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Journal of Radical Librarianship “is an open access journal publishing high quality, rigorously reviewed and innovative scholarly work in the field of radical librarianship….The scope of the journal is any work that contributes to a discourse around critical library and information theory and practice.”1

Target audience: Librarians and library and information science (LIS) practitioners, managers, scholars, and students who are interested in “radical librarianship,” loosely defined for the purposes of the journal as “the ethical roots of librarianship.”2

Publisher: The journal is self-published by the editors.3 Its platform and workflow are supported by OJS/PKP.4

Peer reviewed? Yes, the journal has a policy for manuscripts to undergo either open or double-blind review.5

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online and open access.

Content: The Journal of Radical Librarianship publishes LIS articles on a broad range of topics but emphasizes that articles should contribute “to a discourse around critical library and information theory and practice.”6 Sections include Research Articles, Editorials and Commentary, and Reviews. The journal’s Announcements page issues calls for proposals and papers on specified topics; a 2018 call was for proposals offering a “structural critique of race and power in LIS.” 7

Frequency of publication: The Journal of Radical Librarianship is published on a continual basis: articles are published as soon as they are ready under the year’s volume number.8

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submissions.

Types of contributions accepted: The Journal of Radical Librarianship publishes research and scholarly articles that offer critical analyses of “the influence of neoliberal policy on the profession.”9 With this basis in critical LIS theory and practice, the journal covers many “traditional” topics, such as information literacy, digital rights, cataloging, and technology, but also brings nondominant discourses to the field, with topics including including politics and social justice; anti-racist theory, critical race analysis, anti-colonial studies; equity, diversity, and inclusion; gender variance, queer theory, and phenomenology; the political economy of information and knowledge; critical pedagogy; and sustainability and environmentalism.10 The editors will also consider nontextual formats.11

Submission and review process: Authors submit manuscripts online and must ensure compliance with the Submission Preparation Checklist. “Prospective authors are welcome to send outlines or drafts to the editor in advance of making a formal submission. Submissions can be sent throughout the year. Revisions may be required before a decision is made to accept or reject the paper.”12 The journal gives authors and reviewers the option of open or double-blind peer review. The authors and reviewers must all agree to an open review; if not, the manuscript undergoes double-blind review.13

Editorial tone: The tone is scholarly but appropriate for the topic and type of submission.

Style guide used: “Manuscripts should be prepared according to any consistent bibliographic style.”14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The Journal of Radical Librarianship is a fairly new journal (first published in 2015) that is based in the UK but has an international scope and seeks contributions from “library and information workers, researchers, and academics from anywhere in the world.”15 LIS authors, including graduate students, who are writing critically about LIS theory, research, and practices, especially in ways that engage in nondominant discourses, consider a progressive point of view, and disrupt neoliberal library policy, will find encouraging and supportive editors and a high-quality, relevant journal.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The Journal of Radical Librarianship is based in the UK and North America and is written in English, but the journal’s scope is international and the editors hope to find “editors and authors from beyond the English-speaking world” as the journal grows and evolves.16 Authors should consider an international audience for their articles and explain jargon or region-specific practices accordingly.

Reader characteristics: Readers are librarians and LIS professionals, scholars, researchers, and students from around the world in all types of libraries and information organizations. Further, readers may be members of the Radical Librarianship Collective, which is an organization “building solidarity for those critical of the marketization of libraries and commodification of information.”17

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers have a solid academic and practical knowledge of LIS subject matter.

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

Authors should keep in mind that readers expect authors to approach LIS scholarship with a consideration of critical, radical, and nonhegemonic analyses. Readers will expect traditional LIS topics to be analysed and critiqued from new, radical, or nondominant points of view, and they expect writing on newer topics crucial to the profession’s progressive advancement and a disruption of its neoliberal and market-based practices.

Last updated: April 20, 2018

References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. “About the Journal,” Journal of Radical Librarianship, accessed April 20, 2018, https://journal.radicallibrarianship.org/index.php/journal/about. ↩
  2. Stuart Lawson, “Editorial,” Journal of Radical Librarianship 1 (2015): 1, https://journal.radicallibrarianship.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1. ↩
  3. “About the Journal” lists the editors and their subject areas. ↩
  4. “About the Journal.” ↩
  5. “About the Journal.” ↩
  6. “About the Journal.” ↩
  7. “Announcements,” Journal of Radical Librarianship, accessed April 20, 2018, https://journal.radicallibrarianship.org/index.php/journal/announcement. ↩
  8. “About the Journal.” ↩
  9. Lawson, “Editorial,” 1. ↩
  10. “About the Journal.” ↩
  11. “Submissions,” Journal of Radical Librarianship, accessed April 20, 2018, https://journal.radicallibrarianship.org/index.php/journal/about/submissions. ↩
  12. “Submissions.” ↩
  13. “About the Journal.” ↩
  14. “Submissions.” ↩
  15. Lawson, “Editorial,” 1. ↩
  16. Lawson, “Editorial,” 1. ↩
  17. “Home,” Radical Librarians Collective, accessed April 20, 2018, https://rlc.radicallibrarianship.org/. ↩
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Journal of New Librarianship

By on April 16, 2018 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Journal of New Librarianship

ISSN: 2471-3880

Website: http://newlibs.org

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Journal of New Librarianship editors acknowledge the “need to offer quality literature in our field in an open, independently produced journal. Beyond that, we believe that the library is meant to set an example for academia. Free and open access to information and innovation is crucial to the future of our institutions and profession. By providing an outlet that mixes both traditional and disruptive forms of scholarly and professional communication, we can change the way our profession shares and leads.”1

Target audience: The Journal of New Librarianship aims to reach all library and information science (LIS) professionals, practitioners, scholars, teachers, and graduate students, as well as those who are interested in the LIS field.

Publisher: The journal is “independently produced.” It uses the Scholastic academic journal management system.2

Peer reviewed? Yes, blind review. The journal publishes peer-reviewed articles and other content that is not peer-reviewed.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access.

Content: The Journal of New Librarianship is a new journal, first published in 2016. The journal publishes peer-reviewed articles, essays, editorials, book reviews, and columns4 on all topics in the field of LIS and seeks both “traditional and disruptive” forms of communication.5  The Columns section publishes “short pieces on topics of timely interest to information professionals covering innovations and issues for the next generation of librarians.”6

Frequency of publication: Articles are published on a rolling basis on the website; these are collected into two issues each year.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: For Authors.

Types of contributions accepted: “Submissions may include, but are not limited to: Solicited articles; Scholarly Articles; Essays; Experience and opinion pieces; Media (i.e., podcasts, video, etc) relevant to innovative practices in librarianship; Book reviews; Technology reviews; Letters to the Editor on topics relevant to the field; Data sets; Manifestos; Extended scholarship (Greater than 15,000 words); and Interviews.”8 “We want lengthy treatises on intersectionality and library practice just as much as we want data analysis and recorded interviews with people doing awesome teen programming or video projects on the transformation of a library’s physical space and the perceived impact. All aspects of librarianship – by any name – are within the intended scope of the journal.”9

Submission and review process: Authors are asked to submit their articles stripped of identifying information so they are ready for peer review. They ask for a cover letter that explains “the origin of the project, whether it has been presented and if so where, and affirmation of its originality, veracity, and the author’s right to include all submitted material, data, and media.” Further, the cover letter should explain if the article has time constraints, for example, if it should be published immediately or during a particular conference. Finally, during the online submission process, authors are asked to list potential peer reviewers who are appropriate or those who should be avoided, and these suggestions should be explained in the cover letter. The editors ask authors to contact them with “preliminary pitches,” and they “encourage ideas for content in any and all forms.”10

Editorial tone: The editors encourage “submissions that we have no idea how to categorize,” so the tone should be appropriate to the piece: scholarly, conversational, casual, experimental, and so on.11

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition).12

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The Journal of New Librarianship is an interesting, high-quality, experimental journal that aims to set an example in academia for free and open access to information, scholarship, and ideas.13 This is a great publication for LIS authors who want to publish traditional academic scholarship or who have novel explorations in theory or practice, timely observations, or experimental pieces, including multimedia, to contribute. LIS graduate students are encouraged to submit work and to volunteer as a part of the journal’s editorial team.14 This is an exciting new journal that is breaking new ground in the discipline’s publishing practices.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data are not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: This is an open-access journal that is produced in the United States. Editorial board members are from U.S. universities and libraries.15 The journal welcomes non-English-language content and will provide translation assistance.16

Reader characteristics: Readers are librarians in all types of libraries and institutions and LIS professionals, scholars, and students.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers’ will have both an academic and practical knowledge and understanding of LIS subject matter.

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

Readers are members of the LIS community who are looking for novel, interesting, relevant, timely, and experimental work in the LIS field. The editors, and presumably the readers, “share a steadfast commitment to recognizing and discussing intersectionality –how social categories like race, class, and gender create overlapping and situational systems of discrimination and privilege.”17 Readers of this journal look for innovative models and practices in libraries and in LIS scholarship.

Last updated: April 16, 2018

References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. “About the Journal,” Journal of New Librarianship, accessed April 16, 2018, http://www.newlibs.org/about. ↩
  2. “About the Journal.” ↩
  3. “For Authors,” Journal of New Librarianship, accessed April 16, 2018, http://www.newlibs.org/for-authors. ↩
  4. “Issues,” Journal of New Librarianship, accessed April 16, 2018, http://www.newlibs.org/issues. ↩
  5. “About the Journal.” ↩
  6. Stephen P. Weiter, “Editor’s Note: We Proudly Offer You the Third Issue of the Journal of New Librarianship, Journal of New Librarianship 2, no. 2 (2017): 100, http://dx.doi.org/10.21173/newlibs/3/1. ↩
  7. Weiter, “Editor’s Note: We Proudly Offer You the Third Issue,” 100. ↩
  8. “For Authors.” ↩
  9.  “Policies & FAQS,” Journal of New Librarianship Blog, December 29, 2016, http://www.newlibs.org/post/55. ↩
  10. “For Authors.” ↩
  11. “Policies & FAQS.” ↩
  12. “For Authors.” ↩
  13. Stephen P. Weiter, “Editor’s Note: Welcome to the Journal of New Librarianship” Journal of New Librarianship 1, no. 1 (2016): 1, http://dx.doi.org/10.21173/newlibs/2016/1/weiter.1. ↩
  14. “Policies & FAQS.” ↩
  15. “Editorial Board,” Journal of New Librarianship, accessed April 16, 2018, http://www.newlibs.org/editorial-board. ↩
  16. “For Authors.” ↩
  17. “Policies & FAQs.” ↩
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International Journal of Librarianship (IJoL)

By on April 6, 2018 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: International Journal of Librarianship (IJoL)

ISSN: 2474-3542

Website: http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol

Purpose, objective, or mission: The International Journal of Librarianship (IJoL) “is a peer­-reviewed open access journal dedicated to publishing articles on as broad an array of topics as possible from all aspects of librarianship in all types of libraries.”1

Target audience: IJoL‘s primary audience is members of the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA) that provides a forum for discussion and development among Chinese American librarians and information professionals.2 However, as an international and open-access journal, IJoL‘s scope and reach is worldwide.

Publisher: IJoL is published by CALA, an affiliate of the ALA.3

Peer reviewed? Yes. Articles deemed suitable by the editors are double-blind peer reviewed.4

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online.

Content: “IJoL publishes original research papers, practical developments, reviews, and commentaries of value to professional practice in librarianship in general. It encourages communication on librarianship within and among relevant professional and academic communities.”5 Regular columns include Featured Articles, Reports from the Field, LIS Education around the World, Commentaries, Reviews, and News.

Frequency of publication: Twice each year.6

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submissions.

Types of contributions accepted: IJoL accepts Featured Articles, which are original research or comprehensive, in-depth analyses; Reports from the Field, which “describe the implementation and assessment of innovative practices in libraries of all types” and report on distinguished Chinese librarians; Reviews of books, articles, or conference papers; and Commentaries offering perspectives on current topics.7 The journal publishes on all topics related to libraries and librarianship, including “academic, research, public, school and special libraries” and other information institutions; it is focused on, but not limited to, “major development of Chinese librarianship throughout the world.”8

Submission and review process: IJoL uses the Open Journal Systems9 online portal for submissions and offers guidelines and a submission checklist, which authors should follow to ensure that processing and publishing is not delayed.10 Each section has its own policies, so authors should check that their submissions meet these requirements as well. The editor sends suitable articles to two referees for blind review, and articles may be accepted as is, with revisions, or declined.11

Editorial tone: The tone is overall scholarly but also appropriate to each column and topic.

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

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

IJoL‘s first issue was in 2016, so it is a very new scholarly journal. It is the official journal of CALA, which was established in the 1970s.13 In the first editorial, Editor-in-Chief Guoying Liu introduces the journal as “a forum for librarians and other researchers from Canada, China, the UK, the US and other countries to share their research, best practices and perspectives in international librarianship, international collaboration and academic exchange, library spaces and services, library technology and innovation, and other aspects of information science and studies.”14 This journal is a great fit for scholars, professionals, and students whose work or research focuses on Chinese librarianship, but the journal publishes on all topics of library and information science, including all types of libraries and information institutions.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: IJoL statistics show that there are 131 registered users and 113 registered readers in 2018.15

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: IJoL readership is most likely Chinese and Chinese American librarians and information professionals. However, this is an English-language international journal that publishes on all LIS topics, and its readership is similarly international. Authors should keep in mind this international readership and explain regionalisms and particular terms and practices accordingly.

Reader characteristics: Readers are librarians and information professionals, scholars, and students interested in Chinese librarianship and information communities, as well as broader topics and current trends affecting LIS professionals throughout the world. The editors of IJoL are from universities and libraries in the United States, China, and Canada.16

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers most likely have a strong understanding of LIS subject matter; however, writers should explain regional or particular terms, concepts, and practices for an international readership.

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

LIS authors should keep in mind that the readership for this journal is global but there is a particular interest in Chinese librarianship throughout the United States, Canada, and China. Readers of the journal are LIS scholars, professionals, and graduate students who are interested in developments particular to Chinese user populations and research and practices that can be extended to a similarly global population. As a new, open-access journal, LIS authors can peruse what types of articles are being published and editorials that explain the journal’s direction.17

Last updated: April 6, 2018

References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. “Editorial Policies,” International Journal of Librarianship, accessed April 3, 2018, http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/editorialPolicies. ↩
  2. “Membership,” cala-web.org, accessed April 3, 2018, http://www.cala-web.org/membership. ↩
  3. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  4. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  5. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  6. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  7. “Submissions,” International Journal of Librarianship, accessed April 3, 2018, http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/submissions. ↩
  8. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  9. “About This Publishing System,” International Journal of Librarianship, accessed April 3, 2018, http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/aboutThisPublishingSystem. ↩
  10. “Submissions.” ↩
  11. “Editorial Policies.” ↩
  12. “Submissions.” ↩
  13. “About,” cala-web.org, accessed April 3, 2018, http://www.cala-web.org/about. ↩
  14. Guoying Liu, “Editorial: Message from Editor-in-Chief,” International Journal of Librarianship 1, no. 1 (2016): 1, https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2016.vol1.1.17. ↩
  15. “Statistics,” International Journal of Librarianship, accessed April 3, 2018, http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/statistics?statisticsYear=2018. ↩
  16. “Editorial Team,” International Journal of Librarianship, accessed April 3, 2018, http://ojs.calaijol.org/index.php/ijol/about/editorialTeam. ↩
  17.  Guoying Liu, “Editorial: Celebrating One Year Anniversary and Introducing the Third Issue,” International Journal of Librarianship 2, no. 2 (2017): 1-2, https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2017.vol2.2.54. ↩
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School of Information Student Research Journal (SRJ)

By on March 26, 2018 in

Image courtesy of Student Research Journal


 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: School of Information Student Research Journal (SRJ)

ISSN: 2575-2499

Website: http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/

Purpose, objective, or mission: The School of Information Student Research Journal (SRJ) “aims to showcase excellent graduate student scholarship in library and information science, archival studies, and records management. Adhering to a rigorous double-blind peer review process, SRJ upholds critical standards of scholarship in regards to the conceptualization, execution, references, and overall value of published manuscripts.”1 The journal’s former title was SLIS Student Research Journal (2010-2017).2

Target audience: Library and information science (LIS) students and the larger LIS community.

Publisher: San José State University (SJSU).3

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

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access. SRJ is hosted by SJSU ScholarWorks.5

Content: SRJ publishes research-oriented manuscripts, critical essays, and academic book reviews. Published articles cover a wide range of LIS and related topics, such as “archives, or records management theory, policy, application, or practice which advance intellectual inquiry in the field.”6

Frequency of publication: SRJ is published biannually.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Policies.

Types of contributions accepted: SRJ accepts manuscripts from graduate students enrolled at the time of submission.8 “Research manuscripts should investigate an original idea or set of ideas or circumstance, and may be empirical, critical, or theoretical in nature. Critical essays should analyze and contribute an interpretation, or analytical perspective, or new theme or concept to a theory or body of work, and may address a collection of published scholarship.” For book reviews, writers should contact the editor-in-chief to ensure the book fits the journal’s scope and is available for reviewing. There is also a list of suggested titles.9

Submission and review process: Manuscripts are accepted on a rolling basis through electronic submission. The editor-in-chief reviews manuscripts, consulting with the editorial advisory board as warranted. If approved, the manuscript is submitted to at least two peer reviewers for double-blind review. The editor-in-chief contacts the author, advising if the manuscript is accepted, needs minor or major revisions, or is rejected. Most manuscripts require revision before final acceptance.10

Editorial tone: The tone of SRJ is scholarly, and the journal follows the “conventions of scholarly discourse.”11

Style guide used:  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition.12

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

SRJ is an ideal peer-reviewed journal for LIS graduate students to submit their work. The journal is produced by a team of SJSU graduate students and a faculty advisory board, which includes prominent SJSU faculty. Submitting to SRJ offers an opportunity for students to share their best work with LIS community leaders, to market themselves as emerging LIS professionals, and to begin forging professional relationships. SRJ offers a prime opportunity for LIS students writing about archives and records management or museum studies, as it publishes articles in these areas as well as in library and information science. Potential authors should watch this brief informational video created by the SRJ team.13

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Specific data are not available, but the journal’s website does indicate the number of full-text downloads for each article.14

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: SRJ is aimed at both LIS students and the larger LIS community, and since its inception in 2011, it has attracted student authors from a wide variety of other LIS graduate schools. SRJ has a worldwide reach because it is an open-access journal and because the SJSU School of Information attracts U.S. and international students.15

Reader characteristics: Readers of the publication are graduate students studying a wide variety of LIS and related subjects and professionals from all types of libraries and institutions. SRJ publishes original research and critical reviews and essays, so readers will expect intellectual rigor and fresh perspectives on issues in library and information sciences, archives, museums, records management, and technology.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Because this publication accepts submissions about virtually all areas of information science and targets LIS professionals in all stages and settings of the profession, it would be wise to briefly introduce concepts and explain any specialized terminology for the benefit of those outside of one’s area of expertise.16

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

LIS students and professionals are a diverse group, with interdisciplinary workplaces and interests. SRJ publishes papers on virtually any topic related to LIS, making this publication a possibility for students writing on many subjects. Submissions to SRJ should be scholarly and critical, with a clear contribution to graduate research and its promotion of intellectual inquiry. Critical pieces and original studies of emerging and ongoing issues such as open-source LIS models, collection development, information literacy, information-seeking behavior, user experience, electronic records and digital asset management, or a host of other areas are welcome here.

Last updated: March 16, 2018

References

Show 16 footnotes

  1. “Aims & Scope,” Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/aimsandscope.html. ↩
  2. Journal Home, Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/. ↩
  3. Journal Home. ↩
  4.  “Policies,” Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/policies.html. ↩
  5. Home, scholarworks.sjsu.edu, accessed March 16, 2018. ↩
  6. “Aims & Scopes.” ↩
  7. “About This Journal,” Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/about.html. ↩
  8. “Policies.” ↩
  9. “Aims & Scope.” ↩
  10. “Policies.” ↩
  11. “About This Journal.” ↩
  12. “Style Guide & Formatting Requirements,” Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/styleguide.html. ↩
  13. “Journal Home.” ↩
  14. “Most Popular Articles,” Student Research Journal, accessed March 16, 2018, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj/topdownloads.html. ↩
  15. “MLIS Student Profiles,” SJSU School of Information, accessed March 16, 2018, http://ischool.sjsu.edu/programs/mlis/student-profiles. ↩
  16. “Policies.” ↩
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Weave: Journal of Library User Experience (Weave UX)

By on March 19, 2018 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

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

ISSN: 2333-3316

Website: https://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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Journal of Library and Information Science (JLIS)

By on March 15, 2018 in

 

Publication Analysis

About the publication

Title: Journal of Library and Information Science (JLIS)

ISSN: 0363-3640 (Print) and 2224-1574(Online).1

Website: http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index

Purpose, objective, or mission: “The purpose of this journal is to contact practitioners and scholars in the field of library science and information science at home and abroad to discuss issues in library science and information science, introduce relevant new technologies, and report on important activities in the field of library science and information science. And to seek the development of library information and information business.”2

Target audience:
• Chinese and Chinese-American information professionals
• Information professionals interested in Chinese library and information services
• Those interested in problems common to librarians and information scientists, especially in the areas of new technologies and concepts.3

Publisher: Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA).4

Peer reviewed? Yes.5

Type: LIS scholarly.6

Medium: Online.7

Content: “Discusses problems common to Chinese and Chinese-American librarians and information scientists; introduces new concepts, systems, and technologies; announces worldwide symposia and other important professional events; and seeks other ways to promote the development of Chinese library and information services.”8

Frequency of publication: Semiannually in April and October.9

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: 

http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/submissions

Types of contributions accepted: The journal accepts a variety of submissions, including literature reviews, book reviews, practical research, general discourses, library business and communication pieces, etc. Submissions should be a maximum of 20,000 words in Chinese and a maximum of 15,000 words in English.10

Submission and review process: Manuscripts must be accompanied by a title page with the Chinese and English titles, author name, the institution the author is affiliated with, email address, abstract, and keywords.11 Before submitting to the journal, authors have the option to send their manuscript to meiwu@ntnu.edu or create an account through the site at this link.12

As for the review process, each manuscript is reviewed by a minimum of two anonymous reviewers. To be considered for publication, authors must make the corrections (or provide an explanation for why they’re not accepting the changes) within one month and send the revised manuscript back to the journal.13

Editorial tone: Scholarly/formal.14

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition.15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

JLIS is an excellent publishing avenue for practitioners and student authors, especially Chinese and Chinese-American authors. The journal gives authors the opportunity to present information specific to this population, as well as information which affects librarianship as a whole. Additionally, JLIS is indexed by the Taiwan Humanities & Social Sciences Citation Index Database (TCI-HSS), DOAJ, LISA, PAIS, and Ulrich’s, offering authors multiple avenues for visibility.16

 

Audience Analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation numbers are not provided.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The majority of readers live in the United States and China. 17 Title, keywords, and abstract should be in both English and Chinese.18

Reader characteristics: Readers will have the same characteristics as most librarians but will expect more emphasis on services, technologies, and innovations for Chinese speakers. In other words, readers will expect to find information immediately relevant to Chinese communities.19

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Because the bulk of this publication’s audience members are information professionals,20 authors can expect readers to be very familiar with LIS subject matter, including jargon.

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

Readers will expect authors to not only be fluent in Chinese, but also be familiar with Chinese culture and how it influences librarianship. Additionally, readers will expect authors to present meticulous yet compelling research which promotes the development of Chinese librarianship.21

Last updated: March 15, 2018

References

Show 21 footnotes

  1.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 14, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  2.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 14, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  3.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 14, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  4.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 14, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  5.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  6. Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  7.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  8. Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  9.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  10. “Document Style,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/thesisStyle ↩
  11. “Document Style,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/thesisStyle ↩
  12. “Soliciting Methods,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/submissions ↩
  13. “Soliciting Methods,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/submissions ↩
  14. Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  15. “Document Style,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/thesisStyle ↩
  16. “Index Unit,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  17.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
  18. “Soliciting Methods,” Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/notes/submissions ↩
  19. Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  20. Journal of Library and Information Science, Department of Social Education of the National Taiwan Normal University and the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), accessed March 15, 2018, http://jlis.glis.ntnu.edu.tw/ojs/index.php/jlis/index ↩
  21.  Journal of Library and Information Science, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 14, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1521078816848/648883 ↩
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The Southeastern Librarian (SELn)

By on March 14, 2018 in

 

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 Resources & Technical Services

By on March 8, 2018 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Library Resources & Technical Services (LRTS)

ISSN: 2159-96101

Website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/resources/lrts/index.cfm

Purpose, objective, or mission: LRTS “is the official journal of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services. Its purpose is to communicate thoughtful reflection on practice as well as research.”2 Also, LRTS‘s website states it is a “peer-reviewed journal that takes a critical approach to the questions and challenges facing librarians and libraries.”3

Target audience: All LIS professionals and those involved with cataloging, continuing resources, collection management, and preservation in particular.4

Publisher: American Library Association.5

Peer reviewed? Yes.6

Type: LIS scholarly journal.7

Medium: LRTS was available in print until 2014. As of 2012, it became available online.8

Content: LRTS offers scholarly articles on “collections, scholarly communication, preservation (including digitization), acquisitions (including licensing and economic aspects of acquisitions), continuing resources, cataloging (including descriptive metadata, authority control, subject analysis, and classification).”9

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.10

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authinst

Types of contributions accepted: “Editorials, book reviews, letters to the editor, and the annual report of the president of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services” are regularly published.11

Submission and review process: Authors are asked to submit original, unpublished manuscripts (between 5,000 and 10,000 words) which aren’t currently under consideration elsewhere.12 LRTS asks authors to submit their manuscripts through the site’s Editorial Manager.13 All manuscripts are subject to a double-blind peer review. “The editor and members of the editorial board will work with authors whose work is promising in order to improve methodology, analysis, or presentation.”14

Editorial tone: Per the journal guidelines, “Write the paper in a grammatically correct, simple, readable style. Use active voice to the extent possible. Avoid jargon, anthropomorphism, and informal vocabulary. The first use of acronyms must be accompanied by their full spelled-out form.”15 Additional manuscript requirements can be found on the For LRTS Authors page.

Style guide used: The Chicago Manual of Style.16

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Library Resources & Technical Services is an excellent publication for LIS authors interested in analyzing how behind-the-scenes library work (e.g., collection management, acquisitions, etc.) impacts the profession as a whole. Of particular note, LRTS welcomes contributions from new and seasoned authors alike, noting that “For the profession to thrive, beginning professionals, as well as experienced librarians, should address the most pressing issues we face.”17 Additionally, as mentioned above, LRTS is published by the prestigious American Library Association, “the oldest and largest library association in the world.”18

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: 5,800. This number includes 4,600 ALA members, 860 other paying subscribers, and 340 complimentary subscriptions.19

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Most subscribers and ALA members live in the United States, though approximately 150 live outside the U.S.20 The journal is published in English (with technical services jargon added where necessary).21

Reader characteristics: Sixty percent of LRTS readers work in academic libraries; the other 40% work in public, school, and special libraries. In addition, approximately 75% of LRTS readers are also members of ALCTS. ALA members who subscribe to LRTS share similar interests in cataloging information, collection development, archival materials, etc. They read LRTS for information on their area of expertise, as well as strategies for managing their respective libraries. (Each journal includes a section entitled “notes on operations” that serves the latter purpose.)22

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Because most subscribers are members of ALCTS, they will have general knowledge of LIS topics and understand technical terms and practices related to cataloging and classification (FRBR, RDA), archival studies (digitization, OCR), etc. It is vital that prospective authors be familiar with specialized practices and responsibilities relevant to this publication.23

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

Readers of this publication are familiar with technical terms used in behind-the-scenes LIS operations. Additionally, studies indicate that LRTS is ranked twelfth among the seventy LIS “refereed journals in supporting promotion and tenure decisions.”24 To effectively reach this audience, articles must be well-written and thoroughly researched. The editor of LRTS suggests browsing through recent issues “to get a sense of style, length, and tone.”25

Last updated: March 8, 2018

References

Show 25 footnotes

  1.  Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  2. “What Is the Focus of LRTS?” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authfaq#1 ↩
  3.  Library Resources & Technical Services, American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts ↩
  4. “What Is the Focus of LRTS?” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authfaq#1 ↩
  5. Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  6.  Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  7.  Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  8.  Library Resources & Technical Services, American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts ↩
  9.  Library Resources & Technical Services, American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts ↩
  10. Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  11.  Library Resources & Technical Services, American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts ↩
  12. “For LRTS Authors,” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authinst ↩
  13. “How Do I Submit a Paper?” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authfaq#4 ↩
  14. “What Is the Focus of LRTS?” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authfaq#1 ↩
  15. “For LRTS Authors,” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authinst ↩
  16. “For LRTS Authors,” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authinst ↩
  17. “For LRTS Authors,” American Library Association, accessed March 7, 2018, http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts/authinst ↩
  18. “About ALA,” American Library Association, accessed March 8, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aboutala/ ↩
  19. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
  20. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
  21.  Library Resources & Technical Services, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 7, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520461833714/340494 ↩
  22. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
  23. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
  24. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
  25. Mary Beth Weber, email message to author, September 15, 2008. ↩
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Reference Services Review (RSR)

By on March 6, 2018 in

 

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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Public Services Quarterly

By on March 4, 2018 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Public Services Quarterly

ISSN: 1522-8959 (print), 1522-9114 (online)

Website: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wpsq20/current

Purpose, objective, or mission: Public Services Quarterly “covers a broad spectrum of public service issues in academic libraries, presenting practical strategies for implementing new initiatives and research-based insights into effective practices.”1 The journal was formerly known as Public & Access Services Quarterly (1995-2001).2

Target audience: Academic librarians, professors, and LIS graduate students.3

Publisher: Taylor & Francis.4

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

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.

Content: Public Services Quarterly publishes research- and practice-based articles, theoretical articles, and case studies.6 Further, the journal publishes regular columns that keep academic librarians up to date in the field of public service with reviews, essays, reports, and commentaries: Internet Resources, Professional Reading, Best of the Literature, Technology, Marketing, Future Voices in Public Services, and Special Libraries, Special Challenges.7

Frequency of publication: 4 issues per year.8

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Instructions for authors.

Types of contributions accepted: Public Services Quarterly accepts “research-based and theoretical articles as well as case studies that advance the understanding of public services, including reference and research assistance, information literacy instruction, access and delivery services, and other services to patrons,” as well as those that “examine creative ways to use technology to assist students and faculty.” The journal also accepts practice-based articles, which “should be thoroughly grounded in the literature and should situate the work done in one library into the larger context of the situation.”9

Submission and review process: Public Services Quarterly uses ScholarOne Manuscripts for the submission, revision, and peer-review process. All published articles go though an anonymous double-blind peer review; thematic issues are reviewed at the discretion of the special issue editor.10 Taylor & Francis provides a guide for authors that covers the entire publication process,11 including directions for using ScholarOne Manuscripts12 and an American Psychological Association (APA) reference guide.13

Editorial tone: Published articles are scholarly in tone; the columns are academic but less formal, depending on the content.

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed.14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Public Services Quarterly has an established reputation for quality, scholarly writing about public service issues in academic libraries. The journal values scholarship and research that is practical and applicable in academic libraries, so LIS writers should highlight these aspects in their manuscripts. Aside from scholarly research articles, LIS students could contribute to columns specifically seeking the viewpoint of LIS students or provide updates on the latest professional books, websites, and themes in the field.

The Future Voices in Public Services column provides a forum for students in graduate LIS programs “to discuss key issues they see in academic library public services, to envision what they feel librarians in public service have to offer to academia, to tell us of their visions for the profession, or to tell us of research that is going on in library schools.”15

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Public Services Quarterly is a North American English-language journal for an international audience. The editorial board includes librarians from from U.S. and Canadian colleges,16 but the publication aims to cover worldwide issues confronting academic librarians.

Reader characteristics: Public Services Quarterly primarily serves academic librarians, professors, and graduate students.17

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers’ knowledge of LIS subject matter is strong, especially as it relates to academic public services. However, the journal is also read by students who may still be developing their LIS knowledge. Further, there is a column written by LIS graduate students that offers fresh perspectives and insights to the field.

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

Readers expect high-level research and scholarship that advances the theory and practice of public service librarianship in the academic setting. They also expect to read regular columns that keep them up to date in a field that is perpetually advancing. Writers need to remember that readers are established academic librarians and graduate students from North America and around the world. The Future Voices in Public Services column is a great way for LIS graduate students to experience the publication process of a highly esteemed journal.

Last updated: March 4, 2018

References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. “Aims and Scope,” Public Services Quarterly, accessed March 4, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=wpsq20. ↩
  2. “Journal Information,” Public Services Quarterly, accessed March 4, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=wpsq20. ↩
  3. “Aims and Scope.” ↩
  4. “Aims and Scope.” ↩
  5. “Aims and Scope.” ↩
  6. “Aims and Scope.” ↩
  7. See, for example, Public Services Quarterly 14, 1(2017), https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wpsq20/14/1?nav=tocList. ↩
  8. “Journal Information.” ↩
  9. “Instructions for Authors,” Public Services Quarterly, accessed March 4, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=wpsq20&page=instructions. ↩
  10. “Instructions for Authors.” ↩
  11. “Author Services,” taylorandfrancis.com, accessed March 4, 2018, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/. ↩
  12. “Making Your Submission,” taylorandfrancis.com, accessed March 4, 2018, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/category/making-your-submission/. ↩
  13. “Taylor & Francis Standard Reference Style: APA,” tandf.co.uk, accessed March 4, 2018, http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/style/reference/tf_APA.pdf. ↩
  14. “Instructions for Authors.” ↩
  15. Nancy Dewald, “2015-16 LIS Student Publishing Opportunity,” ALA ILI-L Discussion List, September 22, 2015, http://lists.ala.org/sympa/arc/ili-l/2015-09/msg00123.html. ↩
  16. “Editorial Board,” Public Services Quarterly, accessed March 4, 2018, https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=editorialBoard&journalCode=wpsq20. ↩
  17. “Aims and Scope.” ↩
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