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Weave: Journal of Library User Experience (Weave UX)

Publication analysis


About the publication

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

ISSN: 2333-3316

Websitehttps://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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Library Trends

 

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


References

Show 22 footnotes

  1.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  2.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  3. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  4.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  5.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  6. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  7.  Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  8.  Library Trends, Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends
  9. Antony Bryant, ed., “Table of Contents.” Entire issue, Library Trends 66, no. 2 (2017).
  10. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  11. “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  12.  “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  13. “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  14.  “Author Instructions,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/author-instructions
  15. “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  16. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  17. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  18. “Mailing List Rental,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 12, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/advertising-mail-lists/mailing-list-rental
  19.  “Guest Editing an Issue,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/guest-editing-issue
  20. “Advertising Info,” Johns Hopkins University Press, accessed March 11, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library-trends/advertising-info
  21. Library Trends, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed March 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1520795935546/48848
  22. Antony Bryant, ed., “Table of Contents.” Entire issue, Library Trends 66, no. 2 (2017).
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School Library Research (SLR)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: School Library Research (SLR)

ISSN: 2165-1019

Website: http://www.ala.org/aasl/slr

Purpose, objective, or mission: School Library Research (SLR) is the research journal of the American Association of School Librarians, which is a division of the American Library Association. The purpose of the journal “is to promote and publish high quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school library programs.” The journal also emphasizes “research on instructional theory, teaching methods, and critical issues relevant to school libraries and school librarians.” SLR succeeds School Library Media Research and School Library Media Quarterly Online.1

Target audience: SLR’s target audience is “academic scholars, school librarians, instructional specialists and other educators who strive to provide a constructive learning environment for all students and teachers.”2

Publisher: American Library Association.

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access.4

Content: SLR publishes original research reports, conceptual essays, and literature review and proposal papers.5 The journal also distributes “major research findings worldwide through both electronic publication and linkages to substantive documents on the Internet.”6

Frequency of publication: Each volume is published annually, but articles are added to the electronic journal after peer review and acceptance by the editorial board.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submit a Manuscript.

Types of contributions accepted: SLR accepts high-quality, original research on the the management, implementation, and evaluation of school library programs and on instructional theory, teaching methods, and critical issues relevant to school libraries and librarians. “Manuscripts may be based on original research, an innovative conceptual framework, or a substantial literature review that opens new areas of inquiry and investigation.”8

Submission and review process: Manuscripts, preferably in Microsoft Word, can be submitted via an online submission form or by email to the editors. Manuscripts undergo double-blind review, which usually takes eight to twelve weeks. If a manuscript is not accepted, the editor may forward reviewers’ recommendations to the author, and the manuscript can be revised and reviewed until accepted. Manuscripts are placed online only after full board review and majority acceptance; they remain open to critical review by readers.9

Editorial tone: The tone is scholarly and academic. The work submitted must follow all guidelines and present original scholarly material that adds something new to the field; published manuscripts must meet “the extensive review criteria.”10

Style guide used: €Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition) and an additional journal-specific guide.11

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This is a high-profile, standard-setting research journal. SLR is appropriate for LIS authors who have experience in conducting original school library research and in writing articles that following standard research reporting guidelines: discussion of research questions, application of appropriate research methodology, review of and reference to relevant literature, and clear conclusions. Conceptual essays and literature review and proposal papers must follow the journal’s structural guidelines as well. LIS authors should carefully read the journal’s submission guidelines and see the Definitions of Acceptable Manuscript Content section for particulars.12

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations:  SLR is a U.S.-based journal written in English. The journal is a publication of the American Association of School Librarians, so readers are concerned with issues related to school libraries in America, but they are aware of and seek out more global perspectives on these issues. SLR is an open-access journal, so it does have an international reach.

Reader characteristics: The journal reaches a broad range of readers: school librarians in a variety of K-12 settings, LIS graduate students, academic scholars and researchers, and other educators. Readers will share a belief in the importance of high-quality services for students in K-12 schools and a desire “provide a constructive learning environment for all students and teachers.”13

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: It is likely that readers have a strong understanding of LIS subject matter.

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

Readers will expect articles, especially original research, that inform their own practices in school libraries and that will further their understanding of the present and future of school librarianship. They will also look to the journal for interpretations of policies, guidelines, and best practices published by the American Association of School Librarians and to keep up to date on the association’s standards and recommendations.14

Last updated: March 9, 2018


References

Show 14 footnotes

  1. Homepage, School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs/slr.
  2. Homepage.
  3.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide,” School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/SLR%20Submission%20Guide_UPDATE.pdf.
  4. “Publications & Journals,” American Association of School Librarians, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs.
  5. School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  6. Homepage.
  7. School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  8.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  9.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  10.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  11.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  12.  “School Library Research (SLR) Submission Guide.”
  13. “Homepage.”
  14. See, for example, “School Library Research (SLR) Editor’s Choice,” School Library Research, accessed March 9, 2018, http://www.ala.org/aasl/pubs/slr/editors.
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Reference Services Review (RSR)

 

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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Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ)

ISSN: 1094-9054

Website: https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq

Purpose, objective, or mission: Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ) “is the official journal of the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association. Its purpose is to disseminate information of interest to reference librarians, information specialists, and other professionals involved in user-oriented library services.”1

Target audience: Reference librarians, information specialists, students, and information professionals worldwide, as well as members of the Reference and User Services Association.

Publisher: American Library Association.2

Peer reviewed? Yes, double-blind peer review.3

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access to all issues.4

Content: RUSQ disseminates information in areas of interest to librarians, including “reference services, collection development, reader’s advisory, resource sharing, technology for reference and user services, and other aspects of user services.”5 Further, “through its many columns, reports, and reviews the journal also publishes an array of useful professional information.”6 Regular columns include From the President of RUSA, For Your Enrichment, Information Literacy and Instruction, Management, Amplify Your Impact, Readers’ Advisory, The Alert Collector, and A Reference for That.

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submissions.

Types of contributions accepted: Potential authors need to read the article “Thoughts on Scholarly Writing: Suggestions for Authors Considering Publishing in RUSQ,”7 by Barry Trott, the journal’s editor. This article explains RUSQ‘s acceptance, review, and publication process. It is also a helpful resource for authors who want to publish in any scholarly journal.

RUSQ “publishes empirical (quantitative and qualitative), theoretical, and historical research and essays as peer-reviewed featured articles.”8 Manuscripts submitted to RUSQ need to be within the journal’s scope, which includes “all aspects of library services to adults in all types of libraries.”9

Submission and review process: Manuscripts are submitted in a digital format as an e-mail attachment to the editor.10 Manuscripts go through a double-blind peer-review process.11 The peer-review, acceptance, revision, and publication process is detailed in Trott’s article.12

Editorial tone: The overall tone is scholarly with clarity. Articles should be grammatically correct and written in a simple, readable style.13

Style guide used: Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, and its companion website. The submission guidelines offer examples of the required endnote format. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, or the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary should be consulted for questions relating to spelling and word division.14

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

RUSQ is the journal of the Reference and User Services Association, which is a division of the American Library Association. As such, it is a leading journal in the field of adult user services. RUSQ is an ideal place for librarians and LIS professionals in public, academic, and special libraries to publish research and scholarship that uniquely contributes to the theory and practice of reference services to adult library users and that moves the profession forward. It may be a better forum for advanced, rather than novice, LIS writers.

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: RUSQ is a U.S.-based journal written in English. The journal is affiliated with the American Library Association, so readers are concerned with issues related to libraries in America, and they are aware of and seek out more global perspectives on these issues. RUSQ became an open-access journal in order to reach more readers worldwide and to benefit librarians everywhere, especially where subscription costs are prohibitive.15 

Reader characteristics:  RUSQ readers are librarians, information professionals, and students in academic, public, and special libraries who have a keen interest in developments in the field of adult reference and user services. With the open-access policy, RUSQ‘s readership is expanding outside of North America, and writers should assume a global audience of professionals and students. Trott addresses RUSQ editors’ and readers’ expectations: “Prospective authors will make their manuscripts more attractive to editors and to readers by looking for areas that have not already been widely explored. If you are examining a topic about which much has been written lately, you need to make clear what your work brings to the discussion and how it forwards that discussion in useful and perhaps provocative ways.”16

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: RUSQ readers are very familiar with LIS subject matter. However, the journal’s style emphasizes that articles be readable and clearly written. “The tone of feature articles in RUSQ should be scholarly, but scholarly writing does not need to be impenetrable and obscure. Active voice, declarative sentences, and attention to language are all important.”17

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

Readers of RUSQ are LIS professionals and students working in all types of libraries and information centers. Potential authors must take into consideration the fact that readers belong to a certain segment of the library and information science field, particularly on the service side of librarianship, and articles must be aimed at informing and advising this portion of the profession. Authors should keep in mind the journal’s international scope and its emphasis on scholarly but straightforward writing.

Last updated: March 6, 2018


References

Show 17 footnotes

  1. Home, Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq.
  2. “Journal Sponsorship,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/journalSponsorship.
  3. “Editorial Policies,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/editorialPolicies.
  4. “Editorial Policies.”
  5. “Submissions,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, accessed March 5, 2018, https://journals.ala.org/index.php/rusq/about/submissions#onlineSubmissions.
  6. “Editorial Policies.”
  7. Barry Trott, “Thoughts on Scholarly Writing: Suggestions for Authors Considering Publishing in RUSQ,” Reference & User Services 53, no. 1(2013):2-4, http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.53n1.2.
  8. “Editorial Policies.”
  9. “Submissions.”
  10. “Submissions.”
  11. “Editorial Policies.”
  12. Trott, “Thoughts.”
  13. “Submissions.”
  14. “Submissions.”
  15. Barry Trott, “RUSQ Moves to Full Open Access,”Reference & User Services Quarterly 57, no 1(2017):2-3, http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.1.6433.
  16. Trott, “Thoughts.”
  17. Trott, “Thoughts.”
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Public Services Quarterly

 

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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Journal of Information Literacy (JIL)

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Journal of Information Literacy (JIL)

ISSN: 1750-59681

Website: https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/JIL/

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Journal of Information Literacy (JIL) is the professional journal of the CILIP Information Literacy Group. The journal “publishes innovative and challenging research articles and project reports which push the boundaries of information literacy thinking in theory, practice and method, and which aim to develop deep and critical understandings of the role, contribution and impact of information literacies in everyday contexts, education and the workplace.”2

Target audience: The target audience includes members of the UK-based CILIP Information Literacy Group and LIS professionals, scholars, students, and teachers, and those working in any field related to information literacy instruction and scholarship.

Publisher: JIL is published by the CILIP Information Literacy Group and hosted by Loughborough University Library.3

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

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Online, open access.

Content: JIL “aims to investigate information literacy in all its forms to address the interests of diverse IL communities of practice.”5 Regular sections include Peer-Reviewed Articles, Articles from LILAC (Librarians’ Information Literacy Annual Conference), Book Reviews, Conference Updates, Project Reports, and Students’ View of IL.6

Frequency of publication: Twice a year.7

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Submissions.

Types of contributions accepted: JIL accepts research articles that are “informed and evidence based, designed around an arguable research question, contextualised with reference to previous and current advances in IL thinking, [and] methodologically robust with a demonstrable research design.8 For the Students’ View of IL section, submissions should be “papers drawn from research (theoretical or applied) undertaken by students as part of a postgraduate course in LIS or other cognate disciplines, such as education or media.”9 Authors may also submit reviews of books, media, websites, and software relevant to information literacy practices; conference updates; and project reports “related to information, digital and learning literacies.10

Submission and review process: JIL‘s Submission page includes a section titled The Route to Publication that provides a helpful overview of the submission, review, and acceptance process. Authors need to format manuscripts according to the journal’s article template and verify that manuscripts conform to each item on the Submission Preparation Checklist. After manuscripts are submitted online, they are peer reviewed with comments on suitability and suggestions for revision; authors receive feedback and may resubmit for review if substantial changes are made.11

Editorial tone: The tone is scholarly, and writers should use UK spelling. The journal’s Submission page provides helpful guidelines and templates for expected style, structure, and argument.12

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA).13 

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

JIL “publishes articles from both established and new authors” in the field of information literacy. Furthermore, JIL “welcomes contributions that push the boundaries of IL beyond the educational setting and examine this phenomenon as a continuum between those involved in its development and delivery and those benefiting from its provision.”14 This journal is a good fit for LIS authors who conduct original research and novel scholarship in any area of information literacy. LIS graduate students and recent graduates have a great opportunity to publish in the journal’s Students’ View of IL section. JIL accepts 44% of articles submitted for publication.15

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data not available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: JIL is published by CILIP Information Literacy Group, which “works across the UK and represents a UK workforce of 87,000 information professionals working across the private, public and third sectors to unlock the value of information.”16 Authors should keep in mind that readers are information professionals throughout the UK, but as an open-access journal for a large organization, it can have an international reach.

Reader characteristics: Readers are information professionals throughout the UK. CILIP explains that information professional “is an umbrella term for librarians, information managers, knowledge managers and data professionals.”17

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

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

Based on membership in CILIP, readers are UK information professionals in a wide range of libraries and institutions. Members are interested in staying up-to-date on the most current developments in information literacy and in advancing scholarship of and practice in the field. Authors should keep in mind the journal’s focus on innovative research, scholarship, and practice in the field of information literacy.

Last updated: April 10, 2018


References

Show 17 footnotes

  1.  Journal of Information Literacy, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed April 15, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1523821255563/626763
  2. Homepage, Journal of Information Literacy, accessed April 10, 2018, https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/JIL/.
  3. “About the Journal,” Journal of Information Literacy, accessed April 10, 2018, https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/JIL/about.
  4. “Submissions,” Journal of Information Literacy, accessed April 10, 2018, https://ojs.lboro.ac.uk/JIL/about/submissions.
  5. “About the journal.”
  6. “Submissions.”
  7. “About the Journal.”
  8. “Submissions.”
  9. “Submissions.”
  10. “Submissions.”
  11. “Submissions.”
  12. “Submissions.”
  13. “Submissions.”
  14. “About the Journal.”
  15. “About the Journal.”
  16. “Who We Represent,” cilip.org.uk, accessed April 10, 2018, http://www.cilip.org.uk/page/who_we_represent.
  17. “Who We Represent.”
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Law Library Journal

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: Law Library Journal

ISSN: 0023-92831

Website: https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/

Purpose, objective, or mission: Since 1908, LLJ has provided up-to-date information on law, legal materials, and law librarianship.2

Target audience: “Law librarians and others who work with legal materials.”3

Publisher: American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)4

Peer reviewed? Yes.5

Type: LIS scholarly.6

Medium: Print and online.7

Content: Sample article topics “include law library collections and their acquisition and organization; services to patrons and instruction in legal research; law library administration; the effects of developing technology on law libraries; law library design and construction; substantive law as it applies to libraries; and the history of law libraries and legal materials.”8

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.9

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/llj-policy/

Types of contributions accepted: Information appropriate to law librarianship, case studies, descriptive or historical narratives, commentaries, reports on research projects, articles memorializing deceased members of the association.10

Submission and review process: As is standard practice for scholarly journals, LLJ only accepts unpublished manuscripts which are not being considered for publication elsewhere. The editor works closely with authors throughout the review process and keeps the latter informed of the expected production schedule. Additionally, the journal encourages potential authors to submit queries before submitting articles for consideration.11

Editorial tone: Scholarly, although many articles have adapted an engaging narrative style, which is as readable as it is informative.12

Style guide used: The Bluebook, which illustrates how to format footnotes and references is used in conjunction with The Chicago Manual of Style.13

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Law Library Journal is an excellent choice for students working in law libraries, lawyers, judges, paralegals, law students, as well as anyone interested in law libraries in general, including the history of these valuable institutions. Although the subject matter of this publication is relatively specialized, authors who combine research with engaging narrative to frame in-depth articles on law libraries will feel right at home with LLJ.14

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: “Circulates to nearly 4500 members and subscribers.” 15

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Because Law Library Journal is published by the American Association of Law Libraries, the bulk of its audience is comprised of English-speakers, particularly those who live in the U.S. and/or are interested in U.S. law libraries.16 However, the journal also publishes research which describes the role of law in other countries, particularly European countries which have influenced the U.S.17

Reader characteristics: LLJ readers are primarily law librarians or others who work with legal materials and resources. They may work in law firms, law libraries, law schools, public libraries with law sections, etc.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers will be familiar with both LIS and legal jargon.

Additionally, since the bulk of LLJ’s readers are AALL members, it’s worth examining the general knowledge base of the AALL. AALL members belong to a variety of committees, including the Citation Formats Committee,18 Fair Business Practices Implementation Task Force,19 and Recruitment to Law Librarianship Committee.20

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

Law Library Journal‘s readers are very familiar with legal procedure, courts, and librarianship. While the articles in this journal are written in an easy-to-understand style, readers expect authors to accurately portray the nuances of U.S. law, the history of libraries in general, etc. Thus, although the topics portrayed within the journal are broader than the title suggests, thorough knowledge of U.S. law and its history is suggested before submitting to this publication.

Last updated: February 23, 2018


References

Show 20 footnotes

  1.  Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  2.  Law Library Journal, American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/
  3.  James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  4. Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  5. Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  6. Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  7.  Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  8.  James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  9. Law Library Journal, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed February 23, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1519398843811/48759
  10. “Editorial Policy,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/llj-policy/
  11. “Editorial Policy,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/llj-policy/
  12. James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  13. “Editorial Policy,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/resources-publications/publications/law-library-journal/llj-policy/
  14.  James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  15. James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries
    Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  16. James E. Duggan, ed. “American Association of Law Libraries Law Library Journal Author’s Guide,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  17.  James E. Duggan, ed. “Introduction,” Entire issue, Law Library Journal 109, no. 4 (2017).
  18. “Citations Formats Committee,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/report/citation-formats-committee/
  19.  “Fair Business Practices Implementation Task Force,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/report/fair-business-practices-implementation-task-force/
  20. “Recruitment to Law Librarianship Committee,” American Association of Law Libraries, accessed February, 23, 2018, https://www.aallnet.org/report/recruitment-to-law-librarianship-committee/
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portal: Libraries and the Academy

 

Publication analysis


About the publication

Title: portal: Libraries and the Academy

ISSN:  1531-2542 (print), 1530-7131 (online)

Website: https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/portal-libraries-and-academy

Purpose, objective, or mission: portal is an award-winning journal that focuses “on important research about the role of academic libraries and librarianship” and “features commentary on issues in technology and publishing.” 1 The journal “publishes articles that focus on all aspects of librarianship, knowledge management, and information services and studies within higher education.”2

Target audience: portal is “intended for an audience that is interested in the broad role and impact of libraries within the academy.”3

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press.4

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

Type: LIS scholarly journal.

Medium: Print and online.6

Content: Each issue of portal “includes peer-reviewed articles on subjects such as library administration, information technology, new forms of support for research and teaching, and information policy. Other articles address technological issues, research, standards, and policy and strategic planning.”7

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.8

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: Author Guidelines.

Types of contributions accepted: portal accepts research and scholarship on libraries in the academy, especially work that explores the effects of technology on librarianship, the roles of libraries in meeting institutional missions, how the information revolution is challenging and changing library and information practices, and how libraries and librarians address the changing needs of the academy and academics. portal “welcomes submission of inquiries and proposals for topics that authors have under development and will provide guidance on the suitability for publication in portal.” The journal maintains a rigorous review policy, which requires scholarship to be unique in advancing knowledge in the field; needed and in demand, with intrinsic value and use; and used locally and of value to the field. For Features, authors may direct proposals to the appropriate editor.9

Submission and review process: The preferred method for submitting manuscripts to portal is via email with a Microsoft Word attachment. “All submissions to portal are subjected to the double-blind review process, and referees are explicitly asked to indicate when a manuscript is worthy but needs more detailed guidance to be fully acceptable for publication in portal.”10 Authors will usually receive the editor’s decision and the referees’ comments within four to eight weeks after submission.

Editorial tone: Scholarly.

Style guide used: Chicago Manual of Style.11

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

portal is a well-established, respected, award-winning journal.12 LIS authors who want to publish in it should read the 2004 article “Research and Scholarship Defined for portal: Libraries and the Academy.13 The editors of portal encourage authors, especially new authors, to find experienced mentors to guide them through the research and publishing process. For manuscripts deemed “worthy” but in need of revision, authors are encouraged to work with an experienced mentor to incorporate the referees’ comments and to do further revision; revised manuscripts will be subject to double-blind review with different referees. Overall, portal maintains high standards of scholarship; however, the journal also values collaborative work between novice and experienced LIS writers in order to bring well-written, innovative articles to its pages.14

 

Audience analysis


About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Data are not available; the journal is available through Project MUSE.15

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: portal is a U.S.-based journal that is published in English for an international LIS audience.16

Reader characteristics: The readers of this journal are interested in the role and impact of libraries within an academic environment. The journal’s readers are aware of the importance of a librarian’s work and of the need for careful and scholarly research in the LIS field. Readers work in academic libraries around the world and are researchers and scholars of librarianship in the academy.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers are engaged academic librarians who will have considerable knowledge of LIS terms and subject matter.

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

The main audience for portal is academic librarians, faculty, library science students, information professionals, and anyone interested working in a library environment in higher education. Readers expected consistently high-quality, novel research and scholarship that helps librarians improve and innovate their practices and approaches in the academic library environment.

Last updated: February 23, 2018


References

Show 16 footnotes

  1. “Overview,” portal: Libraries and the Academy, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/portal-libraries-and-academy.
  2. “Author Guidelines,” portal: Libraries and the Academy, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/portal-libraries-and-academy/author-guidelines.
  3. “Author Guidelines.”
  4. “Overview.”
  5. “Author Guidelines.”
  6. “Overview.”
  7. “Author Guidelines.”
  8. “Available Issues,” Project MUSE, accessed February 23, 2018, https://muse.jhu.edu/journal/159.
  9. “Author Guidelines.”
  10. “Author Guidelines.”
  11. “Author Guidelines.”
  12. “Awards,” portal: Libraries and the Academy, accessed February 23, 2018, https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/portal-libraries-and-academy/awards.
  13. Charles B. Lowry, “Research and Scholarship Defined for portal: Libraries and the Academy,” portal: Libraries and the Academy 4, no. 4 (October 2004): 449-453, https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2004.0068.
  14. “Author Guidelines.”
  15. “Available Issues.”
  16. “Author Guidelines.”
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Chandos Publishing

 

Publisher analysis


About the publisher

Name: Chandos Publishing

Website: https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals/chandos-publishing

Purpose, objective, or mission: Chandos is “an international leading publisher in contemporary library and information science, and social science. With a truly global perspective, Chandos produces high-value resource books combining theory and practice for researchers, academics, and practitioners. “1 They are an imprint of the publishing house Elsevier, founded in 1880.

Target audience: LIS professionals and those in the social sciences fields.

Owner: Elsevier

Are published books peer reviewed? Yes. Elsevier’s book proposal form asks potential authors to list three experts in the field who could provide input as part of the book’s review panel. All proposals are read by Elsevier editorial staff and selected external reviewers.2

Types of books published: Reference, textbooks, research books.

Medium: Print and digital.

Topics covered: Over 300 titles are incorporated  into the following key series:

    • Information Professional Series
    • Social Media Series
    • Learning and Teaching Series
    • Asian Studies Series3

Number of titles published per year: In 2020, Chandos published five books in the LIS field.4

About the publisher’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://www.elsevier.com/authors/book-authors

Types of submissions accepted: “We offer a range of digital and print products to suit different subject areas, information types and customer needs. These include: reference, textbooks, fast-turn content, Major Reference Works, Reference Modules, stories and serials, laboratory and practical manuals, and atlases.” 5

Information that needs to be included in your proposal:

  • Working Title
  • Key Words
  • Author(s) and/or editors(s)
  • Aims and scope/Background and purpose
  • Your intended audience and benefits
  • Competing resources
  • Table of contents
  • Publishing Timeline
  • Sample content/chapter
  • Qualified reviewers

To access the official Proposal form, see Submissions process section HERE

Submission and review process: Download and fill out the proposal and send the completed form to our proposal mailbox including the following details in the subject line of your email:  Proposal in (subject area) / (author name: working title)6

Editorial tone: Professional. The home page for Chandos Publishing states that they produce books for researchers, academics and practitioners.7

Style guide used: Unknown.

Conclusion: Evaluation of publisher’s potential for LIS authors

Though Elsevier is a large publishing house that is heavy on journals, LIS book authors could possibly find a good fit with Chandos. In 2020, some of their published book titles included Disaster Planning for Special Libraries, Future Directions in Digital Information, and Technology, Change, and the Academic Library. 8Elsevier is especially supportive of less experienced researchers and authors. Their website Researcher Academy offers in depth teaching modules to help authors learn about getting their works published and promoted.

 

Audience analysis


About the publisher’s audience

Size: Chandos is a sizable LIS publisher. Their online catalog shows 598 books currently in print.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Though Elsevier’s headquarters is in the Netherlands, Chandos states that they are an international publisher for the global LIS community. They feature a book series entitled the Asian Studies series, producing titles such as China’s Publishing Industry and Scholarly Communication in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Chandos also publishes international titles such as Succession Planning in Canadian Academic Libraries and Australian Library Supervision and Management.

Reader characteristics: Readers of works published by Chandos will likely be LIS academics and professionals seeking out books on specific subject matter.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The home page for Chandos publishing states that they publish for “researchers, academics and practitioners,” so authors can assume that readers could potentially have an expert knowledge in the field.

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

Readers of works published by Chandos are LIS professionals located all over the world. With works such as Disaster Planning for Special Libraries and The Impact of Print-On-Demand on Academic Books, it’s clear that readers come to Chandos with well defined information needs that pertain to specific areas within the LIS field.

Last updated: February 22, 2018


References

Show 8 footnotes

  1. “About,” Elsevier.com, accessed February 20, 2018, https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals/chandos-publishing
  2. “Book Authors,” Elsevier.com, accessed February 22, 2018, https://www.elsevier.com/authors/book-authors
  3. “About.”
  4. “About.”
  5. “About”.
  6. “Book Authors.”
  7. “About.”
  8. “About.”
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