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The Active Librarian

By on April 5, 2015 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: The Active Librarian

ISSN: 2379-95281

Website: http://www.activelibrarians.com

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Active Librarian (TAL) is devoted to publishing repeatable and data-driven initiatives in order to improve the services of public librarianship.2 TAL aims to become a centralized “repository of best practices among public librarians for developing new services and enhancing existing ones.”3 Its goal is to enhance the profession by publishing needed program analysis and assessment.”4

Target audience: LIS professionals working in public libraries.5

Publisher: Michael J. Carlozzi.6

Peer reviewed? Yes.7

Type: LIS professional news.8

Medium: Online.

Content: The publication reports on specific initiatives, services, programs, and protocols. Articles should provide concrete details about projects and programs so that other public libraries can use the information to develop, implement, or enhance their own services.9

Frequency of publication: TAL plans to publish one volume per year with nine issues; although the publishing schedule may be adjusted to meet supply and demand.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines:
http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope

Types of contributions accepted: The journal seeks reports on public library initiatives, programs, or services—for example, a recently adopted adult literacy program. Acceptable topics may include any library-related idea that can be generalized to and applied by other librarians—for example, “fostering an educational partnership, configuring credit card payments, developing a community ‘make space,’ writing a troubleshooting guide for Envisionware’s Time Management service, becoming a passport processor.”10 The journal’s submission requirements emphasize articles of “practical application rather than theory-building or historicizing.”11

Submission and review process: Submissions may not be previously published, or under consideration before other journals. All articles undergo a peer-review process (unless an article is solicited by an editor). The editors determine whether an article is appropriate for publication in TAL, after which the article is submitted to at least two referees in a blind process wherein the referees are anonymous to the authors. Submissions may be accepted, accepted with minor revisions, accepted with major revisions, or declined.12

Editorial tone: According to the journal’s submission requirements: “TAL is a practical rather than academic journal.” The tone should be professional but not overly academic, “easy to read but not juvenile.”13

The journal adheres to important practices of publishing original peer-reviewed work, but forgoes overly-rigid academic norms in order to emphasize application. A TAL article does not require a literature review, exhaustive references, or deep statistical analysis. However, an article must include a clear, direct explanation of a project or program so that may be replicated.14

Style guide used: APA.15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The journal presents a new opportunity for LIS professionals to share projects that have been implemented in a public library setting. (As of this writing, no issues have been published.) Authors need not be a public librarians to publish in TAL, but their work must be applicable to or done in partnership with public libraries. For example, academic librarians are encouraged to submit if their work can be generalized or applied to public librarianship, or if working in concert with public libraries. TAL intends to be a forum for professional exchange for projects that are best publicized widely and freely.16

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: The journal is entirely open access. According to an ALA Library Fact Sheet, there are approximately 137,000 paid library staff in the United States.17

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The editors are based in the United States, so it may be inferred that the audience will be primarily U.S.-based. However, international (non-American) submissions are also welcome.18

Reader characteristics: Expect that readers are well-acquainted with public library issues and trends. Readers will want to know how their libraries might benefit from the work other public libraries have done, and the features and steps to implement such efforts.19

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: As a professional publication, most readers will be familiar with issues relevant to public libraries such as outreach and marketing, technology demands, computer networking, digital literacy instruction, collection development, among other areas.20

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

The TAL website notes that “public librarians typically do not readily enjoy professional development opportunities that other LIS professionals do. Unlike colleagues in academic positions, [public librarians] often cannot attend distant conferences or take sabbaticals, purchase expensive database subscriptions, limiting exposure to cutting-edge research; and many do not have time apportioned for pursuing large-scale research projects. But our work benefits from the same professional exchange as academic librarians; the patrons we serve are no less important, and our community outreach is arguably greater and more critical.”21 If your library does something well and you want to share it, TAL provides an excellent forum for doing so.

Last updated: May 13, 2016

References

Show 21 footnotes

  1.  The Active Librarian, Michael J. Carlozzi, accessed May 5, 2020, http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
  2. The Active Librarian. (2016). Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
  3. The Active Librarian. (2016). Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
  4. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
  5. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  6. The Active Librarian. (2016). Journal contact. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/contact ↩
  7. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  8. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  9. The Active Librarian. (2016). Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
  10. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  11. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  12. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  13. The Active Librarian. (2016). Author guidelines. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/submissions#authorGuidelines ↩
  14. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  15. The Active Librarian. (2016). Author guidelines. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/submissions#authorGuidelines ↩
  16. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  17. American Library Association. (2016). Number Employed in Libraries: ALA Library Fact Sheet 2. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet02 ↩
  18. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  19. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  20. The Active Librarian. (2016). Focus and scope. Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/about/editorialPolicies#focusAndScope ↩
  21. The Active Librarian. (2016). Retrieved from http://activelibrarians.com/index.php/tal/index ↩
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Endnotes: The Journal of the New Members Round Table

By on May 19, 2013 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Endnotes: The Journal of the New Members Round Table 

ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Website: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres

Purpose, objective, or mission: The Endnotes Committee is part of the ALA’€™s New Members Round Table (NMRT), a which consists of ALA members with fewer than ten years’ membership. The committee’s mission is to provide support for librarians who want or need to publish scholarly articles, and to publish peer-reviewed research by NMRT members and directed at new librarians.1

The committee oversees publication of Endnotes: The Journal of the New Members Round Table.2

Target audience: American Library Association new members, specifically those who are part of the New Members Round Table (ALA NMRT)3

Publisher: American Library Association4

Peer reviewed? Yes5

Type: LIS scholarly6

Medium: Online7

Content: According to the Endnotes Committee Charge, “Each edition of the journal will contain 2-4 scholarly articles written by members of NMRT, as well as web site reviews and scholarly book reviews of titles relevant to new librarians.”8

Frequency of publication: One issue per year, with the possibility of more issues if there is interest. The editor welcomes suggestions for special themed issues from NMRT members.9

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/about-endnotes-committee

Types of contributions accepted: Original research, practitioner-based research, case studies, book and media reviews. Articles range between 2000-4000 words; book and media reviews 300-500.10

Submission and review process: Endnotes accepts article submissions on a rolling basis, but NMRT members are encouraged to contact the editor about proposals to determine if it fits the journal’€™s scope.11

Send typed, double-spaced MS word docs to nmrtendnotesjournal@gmail.com.12

The committee reviews manuscripts via an double-blind peer-review process. Accepted manuscripts will be returned with committee suggestions for edits, and authors will have about a month to revise the manuscript for publication.13

Editorial tone: Scholarly, but not too formal. The articles and reviews are almost conversational.14

Style guide used: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

To submit a manuscript for publication, register with the ALA and then join the NMRT, whose mission is to provide support for librarians with that specific goal. The publication is for NMRT members and directed at new librarians.€“ Endnotes is the perfect place for LIS students and new authors to submit a query to supportive editorial staff and among a group of peers.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Endnotes is an open-access journal available online for anyone to read, but is primarily for members of the ALA’€™s NMRT.16

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: ALA is based in Chicago, IL, but the website and newsletter are online open access, available to anyone with internet access, or through a library. œA network of affiliates, chapters, and other organizations enables the ALA to reach a broad audience. Although it is written in American English and published by the American Library Association, the ALA does not limit itself to U.S. library concerns.17

Reader characteristics: Most readers of Endnotes, and all authors, are members of the ALA’€™s NMRT.18 ALA members include “librarians, library trustees, and other interested people from every state and many nations. The association serves public, state, school, and academic libraries, as well as special libraries for people working in government, commerce and industry, the arts, and the armed services or in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions.”19 The ALA’€™s mission is “€œto provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”20

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers of this scholarly journal are part of the ALA’€™s New Members Roundtable, so they may be expected to be aware of current LIS trends and terminology.21

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

Readers are primarily new members to the ALA, and are interested in reading the most recent LIS scholarly research, news, reviews and updates in order to further their education or careers, and to inspire their own research and writing. This is an ideal publication for new authors to consider, and as it’€™s part of the ALA, has built-in credibility and respect, as well as readership.

Last updated: April 22. 2017

References

Show 21 footnotes

  1. “About NMRT,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017,  http://www.ala.org/nmrt/about-nmrt ↩
  2. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  3. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  4. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  5. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  6. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  7. American Library Association. (2014). Endnotes Committee. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  8. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  9. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  10. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  11. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  12. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  13. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  14. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  15. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  16. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  17. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  18. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
  19. “Membership,” American Library Association Annual Report, 2015, American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/aboutala/sites/ala.org.aboutala/files/content/2015-ALA-Annual%20Report-Accessible-Final-7-8-2016.pdf ↩
  20. “Mission,” American Library Association Annual Report, 2015, American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017,  http://www.ala.org/aboutala/sites/ala.org.aboutala/files/content/2015-ALA-Annual%20Report-Accessible-Final-7-8-2016.pdf ↩
  21. “Endnotes Committee,” American Library Association, accessed April 22, 2017, http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres ↩
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Federal Librarian

By on May 13, 2013 in

Note: The most recent edition of this publication was the Winter/February 2018 issue. This profile is being retired as of June 2019 and will be a candidate for deletion in 2020. At that time, please contact the editor again to verify that the publication is no longer active.

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Federal Librarian

ISSN: 1940-3534(Print) and 0273-1061 (Online)1

Website: http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters

Purpose, objective, or mission: Federal Librarian is the official newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT).2 Federal and Armed Forces Libraries represent a wide variety of library types: research, law, school, and public. Librarians working for the U.S. federal government have opportunities that span the library field, from direct services to the public, to in-depth research support for America’€™s military and civilian services.

The Round Table has developed a successful series of programs to inform new and incoming library professionals about careers in federal libraries, and to assist established federal librarians grow their careers. FAFLRT also sponsors awards and recognition for outstanding federal librarians.3

From their site: FAFLRT’s mission is “to promote library and information service and the library and information profession in the federal and armed forces communities; to promote appropriate utilization of federal and armed forces library and information resources and facilities; and to provide an environment for the stimulation of research and development relating to the planning, development, and operation of federal and armed forces libraries.”4

Target audience: Members of the Federal and Armed Forces Round Table. “FAFLRT membership is open to all individual ALA Members interested in issues affecting Federal or Armed Forces libraries.”5

Publisher: American Library Association.6

Peer reviewed? No.7

Type: LIS professional and trade publication.8

Medium: Online.9

Content: Federal Librarian “presents recent developments and events of interest to Federal and Armed Forces library community, including news and reports on international, federal, DoD, state and local government issues.”10

Frequency of publication: Quarterly.11

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters#mailing

Types of contributions accepted: Federal Librarian includes a mix of current events, trends or issues affecting member libraries, tributes, feature articles, award recipients and a message from the FAFLRT president.12

Submission and review process: Send contributions to:

Anne Harrison, interim editor
6200 Wilson Blvd. Apt. 1107
Falls Church, VA 22044
telephone:  202-707-4834
E-mail: harrisonanne57@yahoo.com

The review process is not outlined.13

Editorial tone: Reviewing the latest issue (Vol. 31 #4, 2014) provides a selection of items ranging from an accounting of closures at base libraries, to a lively description of the first “Library Con” held at the JBER Library, to a tribute to a retiring librarian. Articles are written in an informal tone.14

Style guide used: None specified.15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Federal Librarian offers the LIS author interested in Federal and Armed Forces Libraries a forum for informal professional discussions of issues and events that are important to this community. As one of the current strategic goals of the FAFLRT is to “establish new and continue existing liaison relationships with relevant ALA committees and round tables”16, one can assume that this journal would also be open to writers from various areas of librarianship to build connections with the FAFLRT through its newsletter.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: The Federal Librarian subscription base is approximately 600.17

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Readership of the Federal Librarian covers a wide range of LIS professionals in Federal and Armed Forces Libraries, from all over the U.S. These libraries run the gamut from public, school, military academic or special.18 Bearing in mind the wide variety of issues that are of interest to the reader, but also the overriding cultural umbrella of membership in the FAFLRT, potential authors should tailor their submissions to this group. Articles are written in American English.19

Reader characteristics: Demographics are not given for the readers of Federal Librarian. However, because subscription is included in membership to FAFLRT, readers are among 600 federal and military LIS professionals.20 Readers have a vested interest in matters concerning library and information services in the federal and armed forces communities.21

Reader knowledge of LIS subject matter: Readers are generally professional librarians, so a high degree of specialized language and knowledge of LIS principles and information can be assumed.

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

Readers of Federal Librarian work and live in Federal and Armed Forces communities.22 Authors who also belong to this community would have an interested and supportive audience for their writing. Because the issues examined in the Federal Librarian encourage professional development of their LIS peers, the potential impact on the published author’s career is great. This is a special community who, with their shared interests, would be a knowledgeable and interested audience for the potential author.

Last updated: May 14, 2016

References

Show 22 footnotes

  1.  Federal Librarian, American Library Association, accessed March 21, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/search/1701525525 ↩
  2. American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters ↩
  3.  American Library Association. (2016). Initiatives and Projects. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/initiatives ↩
  4.  American Library Association. (2016). About FAFLRT. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/about-faflrt ↩
  5.  American Library Association. (2016). FAFLRT brochure. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/sites/ala.org.faflrt/files/content/faflrtbrochure-2009.pdf ↩
  6. ProQuest. (2016). Federal Librarian. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1427486804547/480570 ↩
  7. ProQuest. (2016). Federal Librarian. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1427486804547/480570 ↩
  8.  ProQuest. (2016). Federal Librarian. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1427486804547/480570 ↩
  9.  ProQuest. (2016). Federal Librarian. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1427486804547/480570 ↩
  10. American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters ↩
  11.  ProQuest. (2016). Federal Librarian. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1427486804547/480570 ↩
  12.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters ↩
  13.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters#mailing ↩
  14.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/sites/ala.org.faflrt/files/content/newsletters/2014_vol.31_4_Federal_Librarian.pdf ↩
  15.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters#mailing ↩
  16. American Library Association. (2016). About FAFLRT. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/about-faflrt ↩
  17.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters ↩
  18. Dority, K. (2016). Military Librarianship. Libgig. Retrieved from http://www.libgig.com/careerprofiles/military-librarianship/ ↩
  19.  American Library Association. (2016). Federal Librarian, the Newsletter of the Federal and Armed Forces Librarian Round Table. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/newsletters ↩
  20. Dority, K. (2016). Military Librarianship. Libgig. Retrieved from http://www.libgig.com/careerprofiles/military-librarianship/ ↩
  21.  Dority, K. (2016). Military Librarianship. Libgig. Retrieved from http://www.libgig.com/careerprofiles/military-librarianship/ ↩
  22.  American Library Association. (2016). FAFLRT brochure. American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/faflrt/sites/ala.org.faflrt/files/content/faflrtbrochure-2009.pdf ↩
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Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL)

By on May 10, 2013 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL)

ISSN: 0004-8623 (Print) and 1839-471X (Online)1

Purpose, objective, or mission: Australian Academic and Research Libraries is the research journal of the Australian Library and Information Association. According to the ALIA, the publication “aims to showcase theoretical and practice-based research undertaken in, about, and relevant to, Australia and our broader region.”2

Website: https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl

Target audience: International LIS community3

Publisher: Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group4

Peer reviewed? Yes5

Type: LIS scholarly6

Medium: Print and online; open access after four years7

Content: AARL publishes articles of interest to librarians and information professionals throughout the world, including those working in research libraries and academia.8

Frequency of publication: Quarterly9

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.tandfonline.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=uarl20&page=instructions

Types of contributions accepted: AARL invites submissions of practical and theoretical research of 5,000 to 8,000 words, as well as book reviews of 500 to 600 words on all LIS topics. Manuscripts are accepted in English only, with Australian spelling and punctuation preferred. Article submissions should include abstracts of 200 words and a biography of each author of 100 words.10 Authors are encouraged to supplement their articles with related online materials, such as animations, movie clips, or sound files. Instructions for including this material with an online submission are available on the publisher’s website.11

Editorial tone: Scholarly12

Style guide used: Reference style follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition.13 For all other style questions, authors should consult the publisher’s in-house style guide14 and the  guide to using mathematical scripts and equations15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Australian Academic and Research Libraries provides an excellent opportunity for LIS authors looking to publish scholarly, career advancing work. Although this is an Australian journal that publishes research relevant to the Australian LIS community, it also explicitly invites contributions from around the world. For the North American LIS researcher and author, this journal provides an opportunity to showcase original research to a global community.

The publication is abstracted or indexed in Australian education index, Australian library and information science abstracts, APAIS: Australian public affairs information service, Information science abstracts, Library and information science abstracts, and Library literature.16

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Circulation statistics are not readily available for this journal. However, as the premier research journal for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), with 4,200 individual memberships and 800 institutional memberships,17 the potential for reaching many readers is great.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The majority of readers are Australian and the content reflects this. Authors should be aware of the language and cultural differences between the U.S. and Australia.  Colloquialisms and cultural references unique to the United States should be avoided.

Reader characteristics: AARL does not provide demographic information on its readers. As it is the premier research journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, it is likely that the majority of readers are members of the ALIA, which is “open to professionals, non-professionals and individuals and organizations alike.”18

Reader knowledge of LIS subject matter: Although some readers may not be information science professionals, the majority work in library and information fields and would therefore be very knowledgeable about LIS subjects.

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

Australian Academic & Research Libraries is an internationally recognized publication that holds high standards for its published works. This journal reaches a wide audience of library and information professionals who are interested in current research in the field as well as relevant issues in their workplaces. For current Australian residents, or even North Americans who have lived or travelled in Australia, this journal provides its authors with a large and knowledgeable audience. Although the majority of readers are most likely Australian, and the journal “aims to showcase theoretical and practice-based research undertaken in, about, and relevant to, Australia,”19 the editors specifically invite “authors worldwide, working across the full range of information professions, as well as those in the higher education sector and research libraries”20 to contribute to the journal. The large audience of readers that this journal offers would provide an excellent forum for LIS authors worldwide.

Last updated: November 6, 2016

References

Show 20 footnotes

  1.  Australian Academic & Research Libraries, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed April 10, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/search/-583071420 ↩
  2. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, 2016,  https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  3. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, 2016, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  4. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, 2016, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  5. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed November 1, 2016, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1425504980569/340421 ↩
  6. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed November 1, 2016, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1425504980569/340421 ↩
  7. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, 2016, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  8. “Aims and Scope,” Taylor and Francis Group, accessed November 6, 2016 http://www.tandfonline.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=uarl20 ↩
  9. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed November 1, 2016, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1425504980569/340421 ↩
  10. “Instructions for Authors,” Taylor and Francis Group, accessed November 6, 2016, http://www.tandfonline.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=uarl20&page=instructions#mp_general ↩
  11. “Enhancing Your Article with Supplemental Material,” Author Services, accessed November 6, 2016, http://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/enhancing-your-article-with-supplemental-material/

    Submission and review process: Detailed submission guidelines can be found on the publisher’s website.[12. “Instructions for Authors,” Taylor and Francis Group, accessed November 6, 2016, http://www.tandfonline.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=uarl20&page=instructions#mp_general ↩

  12. Australian Academic and Research Libraries, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed November 1, 2016, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1425504980569/340421 ↩
  13. “Taylor and Francis Standard Reference Style: APA,” Taylor and Francis Group, accessed November 6, 2016,  http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/style/reference/tf_APA.pdf ↩
  14. “Taylor and Francis Style No. 1,” Taylor and Francis Group, accessed November 6, 2016,  http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/style/layout/tf_1.pdf ↩
  15. “Mathematical Scripts,” Author Services, accessed November 6, 2016,  http://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/mathematical-scripts/ ↩
  16. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, 2016, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  17. “ALIA Fact Sheet,” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/ALIA-Fact-Sheet.pdf ↩
  18. “ALIA Fact Sheet,” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/ALIA-Fact-Sheet.pdf ↩
  19. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
  20. “Australian Academic and Research Libraries (AARL),” Australian Library and Information Association, accessed November 6, https://www.alia.org.au/publications-and-news/australian-academic-and-research-libraries-aarl ↩
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HuffPost

By on April 28, 2013 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: HuffPost (formerly called Huffington Post)

ISSN: N/A

Website: https://www.huffpost.com/

Purpose, objective, or mission: “At HuffPost, we report with empathy and put people at the heart of every story. We take a people-first approach in everything we report—be it news and politics or lifestyle and entertainment—and we cover real stories about real life. Regardless of who you are, where you live or what you believe, you can count on HuffPost to help you navigate what’s happening in the world and how it affects you. We consider the needs, passions and curiosity of our readers in all of our journalism. If something matters to our readers, it matters to us.”1

In 2012, HuffPost won a Pulitzer Prize for reporting on wounded veterans”.2

Target audience: A politically-engaged audience seeking the latest news in entertainment, politics, and world affairs.

Publisher: Verizon Media.3

Peer reviewed? No. Most articles posted on the site are in the form of blog posts.

Type: Civilian publication; online news site.

Medium: Online.

Content: A roundup of political, entertainment, and news from around the globe.

Of special interest to LIS writers, there’s a Books section under Entertainment, featuring articles and reviews by various bloggers, and the Libraries section featuring library-related news and articles. In 2012 a section titled Libraries in Crisis was created to examine the role of libraries in today’s society. The section’s first series was titled The Death Of The Public Library?, and it has been somewhat controversial among LIS professionals, with a Hack Library School post noting, “I understand that stories of library closures are much sexier than the latest controversies with Overdrive, but if we want to see the libraries as a national tradition continue, we need to step away from the extremism and start proving what we are capable of. Let’s see some library success stories on this page, too.”

Frequency of publication: Updated daily.

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: https://www.huffpost.com/static/how-to-pitch-huffpost?section=us_opinion

Types of contributions accepted: “HuffPost is seeking to elevate writers from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are BIPOC, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and writers from other underrepresented communities.”4

The categories for submissions are Enterprise pieces, which are “original, unique, reported stories,”5 Personal pieces, which are “original, authentic, compelling, and told from the first person,”6 and Life pieces which are pieces that serve as a “no-BS guide to modern parenting, wellness, food, money, work, relationships, and more.”7

Submission and review process: “Pitches should include a working headline, two or three paragraphs that outline why you think the story matters, with some indication of how you plan to report and tell the story (e.g. sources, key characters or narrative event). Also tell us a little about who you are and why you’re the right person to write this story, and please indicate whether your pitch is timely.”8

See “How to Pitch to HuffPost” for detailed descriptions, requirements, and tips.

Editorial tone: Informal and informational at the same time.

Style guide used: None referenced.

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

HuffPost is an excellent resource for librarians to reach a wide-ranging global and local audience with news from the LIS world. The Libraries section would be a great place to discuss library efforts and updates, technological and otherwise, and news from the LIS sector, with a readership who is truly interested. HuffPost would also be a good place to suggest and write about books for review.

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: No circulation information provided.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Based out of the US, the site has local editions such as HuffPost San Francisco and Chicago; as well as international versions covering Canada, France, Italy, Spain and the UK.9 The US version is written in American English; culturally the site is considered a left-leaning publication, with special attention to U.S. political and entertainment news.

Reader characteristics: HuffPost was created in 2005 and became known as a liberal website for commentary/and alternative to more right-wing sites such as the Drudge Report & Fox News. Although founder/creator Arianna Huffington is careful to note that the site does not consciously lean in either party direction, the site has a more left-leaning feel.10

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Although readers are educated and HuffPost has a special library section, this site is more informal information and entertainment, not really the place for LIS jargon. If submitting a query or blog for the Books/Library section, the focus is more on specific voice or activity, not the formal academic jargon commonly found in LIS publications.

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

Readers are interested in what’s going on with US libraries, and in discussing the most recent books and book news. While articles are not scholarly in tone, this site would most likely welcome posts written by LIS students as long as the topic is interesting and appealing to HuffPost readers.

Last updated: September 29, 2020

References

Show 10 footnotes

  1. “About Us,” huffpost.com, accessed September 29, 2020, https://www.huffpost.com/static/about-us ↩
  2. Michael Calderone, “Huffington Post Awarded Pulitzer Prize.” The Huffington Post, January 14, 2013. Accessed September 29, 2020, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/huffington-post-pulitzer-prize-2012_n_1429169 ↩
  3. “HuffPost”, Britannica.com, accessed September 29, 2020, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Huffington-Post ↩
  4. “How to Pitch to HuffPost,” HuffPost.com, accessed September 29, 2020, https://www.huffpost.com/static/how-to-pitch-huffpost?section=us_opinion ↩
  5. “How to Pitch to HuffPost.” ↩
  6. “How to Pitch to HuffPost.” ↩
  7. “How to Pitch to HuffPost.” ↩
  8. “How to Pitch to HuffPost.” ↩
  9. “HuffPost,” Wikipedia.com, accessed September 29, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HuffPost ↩
  10. “HuffPost.” ↩
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La Opinión

By on April 24, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: La Opinión

ISSN: 0276-590X1

Purpose, objective, or mission: “La Opinión is the leading Spanish-language daily newspaper in the country, reaching over 20 million monthly readers in print and online. La Opinión was founded in 1926 in Los Angeles to provide daily news and information to a Hispanic population that has grown to become the nation’s largest, its audience is active, involved and engaged.“2

Website: http://www.laopinion.com/

Target audience: Spanish-language speaking  and Latinx communities across the United States and beyond.

Publisher: ImpreMedia, LLC. 3

Peer reviewed? No.

Type: Civilian newspaper.

Medium: Print and online. 4

Content: General information relevant to Spanish-speaking and Latinx citizens. Includes varied content such as: sports, entertainment, business, lifestyles, Latin American news, U.S. news, world news, and special sections. This newspaper further includes information at the global, national, state, and local levels.

Frequency of publication: Daily. 5

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: There are no submission or author guidelines. Editors at La Opinión are responsible for accepting outside content for individual sections, for all but the Main News section, which does not generally accept guest author contributions. Sections that do accept contributions are Sports, Entertainment, and Op-Ed (which might be the sole place for LIS content in this publication).

Types of contributions accepted: Community event announcements and information relating to the specific section of the paper you’d like to contribute to.

Submission and review process: Check the website or print publication to find the name of the editor for the specific section you’d like to write for. Email addresses are usually firstname.lastname@laopinion.com. Writers are paid for their contribution, with pay determined on a case by case basis. Articles are generally submitted in Spanish; they can be submitted in English, with translation services for the final published article.

Editorial tone: Informational and informative, with focus on issues that affect Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities.

Style guide used: None found.

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This newspaper lends itself to publishing local LIS related issues. LIS practitioners and students living in the covered area should consider including local library events. Library-themed articles or letters may be published in this newspaper.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: La Opinión reaches over 20 million readers monthly worldwide through its digital platform and is also the most-read print newspaper in Spanish in the United States. More than 300,000 readers are subscribed to the daily newsletter. 6

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: La Opinión has expanded it’s audience across the entire United States, having offices in both Los Angeles and New York. Content is offered in both Spanish and English languages.

Reader characteristics: Readership is split fairly evenly between men and women, and readers have an average household income of $59,191.7 Since the paper is written in Spanish and targeted toward Hispanic communities, it is safe to assume that readers are Hispanic or Latinx.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: This is a civilian newspaper and a knowledge of LIS subject matter should not be assumed. Avoid technical jargon.

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

Authors must provide readers information relevant to Latinx and Hispanic communities. Articles about library programs and issues that affect these communities would be welcome in this publication.

Last updated: October 17, 2018

References

Show 7 footnotes

  1.  La Opinión, WorldCat, accessed March 24, 2018, https://www.worldcat.org/title/opinion/oclc/137350281 ↩
  2. “Who We Are,” impreMedia.com, accessed December 11, 2016, http://www.impremedia.com/ ↩
  3. “La Opinión,” LaOpinion.com, accessed December 11, 2016, http://laopinion.com/ ↩
  4. “Who We Are.” ↩
  5. “Who We Are.” ↩
  6. “La Opinión.” ↩
  7. “Our Audience,” impreMedia.com, accessed December 11, 2016, http://www.impremedia.com/#audience ↩
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The Journal of Creative Library Practice

By on March 13, 2013 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: The Journal of Creative Library Practice

ISSN: 2330-42271

Website: http://creativelibrarypractice.org/

Purpose, objective, or mission: From the website’€™s About page: “The Journal of Creative Library Practice provides an outlet for librarians and information professionals to €œdescribe and encourage greater creativity in library and information center communications, policies, collections, instruction, and other areas of librarianship€.”2

Target audience: “This journal reaches librarians and information professionals of all types, including academic, public, school, special, medical, legal, and others.” The journal is working to broaden its readership to individuals outside the profession, to anyone interested in creative solutions to LIS issues; or anyone who wants to participate in discussions about creative issues and solutions.3

Publisher: Published as an online blog-format journal by Creative Library Practice4

Peer reviewed? Yes,5 though this blog-style journal also publishes non-peer reviewed content. The refereed articles are distinguished from the blog posts on the site.6

Type: LIS scholarly and professional7

Medium: Online,8 peer-reviewed blogposts9

Content: Posts on creative solutions to LIS issues.10

Frequency of publication: This online journal is updated as frequently as the editors write posts and peer-reviewed articles are accepted.11

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://creativelibrarypractice.org/instructions-for-authors/

Types of contributions accepted: Any article focusing on creative solutions to LIS issues, including communications barriers, technology issues, reviews of relevant books or websites.12

Submission and review process: The website provides a link to email manuscripts in MS-Word .doc, .docx, or RTF format.13

Editorial tone: Editor Joseph Kraus, in a Q&A with Library Journal, stated, “€œWe want to encourage prospective authors to write with less formal rhetoric.”14

Style guide used: References should be provided in a consistent format, whether Chicago, Turabian, MLA, or APA, or author may simply provide links to cited material.15

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The journal’s editors consider the publication to be an open source alternative to the stodgy print publications usually favored by the LIS community. They are a creative group open to all sorts of submissions, so this would be a great place to expand on an LIS student paper or thesis, or write about a creative approach tried at a library-related job, and how it helped the organization.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: Statistics are not available, but as this journal is also an informal blog there is potential to reach a large audience.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The journal is online and the editors are LIS professionals at colleges and universities around the United States.16 The journal is written in American English.17

Reader characteristics: This journal appeals to forward thinking, creative, multidisciplined, against-the-grain LIS professionals seeking to share information with like-minded peers. The journal is written for and by LIS professionals in all possible settings, including academic, public, school, special, medical, and law libraries. It also aims to reach those readers who are interested in libraries but not necessarily working in them, including teachers, parents, students, and businesses.18

The journal was created by LIS professionals who wish to have a truly open access information sharing site that features creative solutions to common problems in information organizations. This is an open minded, nontraditional group that sees the value in current technologies and is working to take advantage of anything that can help the library community achieve its goals. The journal leans toward the informal, so potential authors should keep this in mind while writing for the publication. The goal is to provide articles from a variety of perspectives.19

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The knowledge level is probably quite high, but as the editors are attempting to appeal to laypeople as well as LIS students and professionals, potential authors should keep the jargon to a minimum and avoid highly technical terms and unusual acronyms.20

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

The Journal of Creative Library Practice is part of a new LIS journal standard: using open access for peer-reviewed articles under Creative Commons licensing, and providing relatively loose guidelines in terms of content, and even citations.

Last updated: May 14, 2017

References

Show 20 footnotes

  1.  The Journal of Creative Library Practice, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory, accessed April 11, 2018, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1523479339830/779051 ↩
  2. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  3. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  4. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  5.  The Journal of Creative Library Practice, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory,  accessed May 14, 2017, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1494814869196/779051 ↩
  6. “Home,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org ↩
  7.  The Journal of Creative Library Practice, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory,  accessed May 14, 2017, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1494814869196/779051 ↩
  8.  The Journal of Creative Library Practice, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory,  accessed May 14, 2017, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1494814869196/779051 ↩
  9. “Home,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org ↩
  10. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  11. “Instructions for Authors,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/2013/01/02/welcome-to-the-journal/ ↩
  12. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/2013/01/02/welcome-to-the-journal/ ↩
  13. “Instructions for Authors,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017,  http://creativelibrarypractice.org/instructions-for-authors/ ↩
  14. Meredith Schwartz, “Six Questions for Joseph Kraus and a Board of Creative Librarians,” Library Journal Academic Newswire, accessed May 14, 2017,  http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/02/oa/six-questions-for-joseph-kraus-and-a-board-of-creative-librarians/ ↩
  15. “Instructions for Authors,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/instructions-for-authors/ ↩
  16. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  17. The Journal of Creative Library Practice, Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory,  accessed May 14, 2017, ↩
  18. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/about/ ↩
  19. “About,” The Journal of Creative Library Practice, accessed May 14, 2017, http://creativelibrarypractice.org/2013/01/02/welcome-to-the-journal/ ↩
  20. Meredith Schwartz, “Six Questions for Joseph Kraus and a Board of Creative Librarians,” Library Journal Academic Newswire, accessed May 14, 2017, http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/02/oa/six-questions-for-joseph-kraus-and-a-board-of-creative-librarians/ ↩
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Ilovelibraries.org

By on March 9, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: ilovelibraries.org

ISSN: Not applicable

Website: http://www.ilovelibraries.org

Purpose, objective, or mission: “Ilovelibraries.org is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA), designed to keep America informed about what’s happening in today’s libraries. Ilovelibraries.org promotes the value of libraries and librarians, explains key issues affecting libraries, and urges readers to support and take action for their libraries.”1

“Ilovelibraries.org is a place to learn more about the health and vitality of today’s libraries, emerging trends, and current issues affecting libraries around the country, whether in public, school, academic, corporate or institutional libraries.”2

Target audience: The general public.3

Publisher: The American Library Association.4

Peer reviewed? No. 5

Type: Publication of an LIS professional organization, the American Library Association, for a lay audience, the general public.6

Medium: Online.

Content: The website includes feature articles on what’s happening in today’s libraries, book reviews, ways for readers to share stories about their own library experiences, and ways to advocate for libraries in their communities, including links to advocacy software that allows users to contact members of Congress. There is a blog that collects library stories from the news, a blog from Booklist magazine about running a book group, and a section titled “Real Life Stories” for readers to share what the library means to them.7

Frequency of publication: New content is posted frequently.8

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/about/editorial

Types of contributions accepted: ilovelibraries.org seeks feature articles about local libraries and their programs, staff, or volunteers; stories about viewers’ experiences with libraries.9

Submission and review process: Queries must be sent to the editors at ilovelibraries@ala.org (Word or Google Doc preferred). Features should be between 400-1000 words. “We will acknowledge your article when we receive it. We make decisions to accept or reject articles as quickly as possible. On acceptance, an estimated date of publication may be provided to the author. “10

Editorial tone: Informal but informative, with a clear, simple style.

Style guide used: None specified.

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

This publication appears to be a possible outlet for those of us who are not yet professional librarians to submit articles about what libraries have to offer us as patrons. Articles are short and informal, the site is always accepting submissions, and the editors will get back to contributors fairly quickly. It could be a good place to get one’s feet wet in the publishing experience. It is a good place for librarians to submit pieces about their their libraries, or profiles about librarians, speakers or patrons who may have interesting stories to tell.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

 Publication circulation: No website traffic information available.

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The website can be viewed internationally, but as it is an initiative of the American Library Association, we can assume most readers are within the United States. Articles and news postings cover libraries in the U.S., and reader postings seem to be limited to the U.S. as well.11

Reader characteristics: Individuals who use or work in libraries. Website users, their interests and workplaces, would likely be as diverse as the population of the United States. The publisher of this website publication represents libraries in North America and has a vested interest in presenting libraries in a positive manner.12

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Knowledge of LIS subject matter would be on a spectrum, but the aim of the website is to spread the love of LIS, so articles should use as little jargon as possible unless educating the public on the jargon specifically.

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

This site would be one avenue to encourage and promote libraries to the general public. Visitors to the site would most likely already have a positive image of libraries and are looking for reasons to continue on this path. This site provides a fun way to showcase library events, new trends such as makerspaces, e-readers, and digital libraries. There are sections of library quotes, book reviews, and spotlights on public libraries and librarians.

Last updated: October 12, 2018

References

Show 12 footnotes

  1. “About,” ilovelibraries.org, accessed October 2, 2016, http://www.ilovelibraries.org/about ↩
  2. “About.” ↩
  3. “About.” ↩
  4. “About.” ↩
  5. “Editorial Guidelines,” ilovelibraries.org, accessed October 2, 2016, http://www.ilovelibraries.org/about/editorial ↩
  6. “About.” ↩
  7. “ilovelibraries,” ilovelibraries.org, accessed October 2, 2016, http://www.ilovelibraries.org/ ↩
  8. “ilovelibraries.” ↩
  9. “Editorial Guidelines.” ↩
  10. “Editorial Guidelines.” ↩
  11. “ilovelibraries.” ↩
  12. “About.” ↩
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San Diego Reader

By on March 9, 2013 in

 

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: San Diego Reader

ISSN: N/A

Website: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/

Purpose, objective, or mission: To cover all aspects of life in San Diego.1

Target audience: People living in, or visiting, the San Diego region.

Publisher: James E. Holman.2

Peer reviewed? No.

Type: Civilian weekly alternative newspaper.

Medium: Print and online.3

Content: The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies (AAN) describes the content as follows: “Specializing in feature stories, the Reader covers San Diego life in general, with emphasis on politics and the arts and entertainment. The Reader publishes comprehensive listings of movies, events, theater, and music; restaurant and film reviews; and free classifieds.”4

Frequency of publication: Weekly.5

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/contact/

Types of contributions accepted: Their website allows for online submission (requires free registration) of articles in four specific categories: CD or concert review, neighborhood news story, travel story, waterfront story, or cover story.6 They also accept letters to the editor.7 Per their website: “Woo us with actual reporting, not a cover letter written to impress your creative-writing teacher.”8

Submission and review process: There are online submission forms for each type of story.9

Editorial tone: Informal but informative.

Style guide used: None specified.

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

The San Diego Reader celebrates San Diego and its diverse people. It focuses on a variety of ordinary people and places within the county. The potential for publication of San Diego LIS authors by the San Diego Reader exists for a variety of reasons. A call for the commencement of construction on the new central library, designed a decade ago, could be shaped as a letter to the editor. Other issues that librarians and the Reader feel strongly about are equal access to information and censorship. A concise reporting of banned books week events may be framed as a neighborhood story.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: 90,000 as of March 2015.10

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The focus of the Reader articles is on local San Diego life, politics, and entertainment. Its reach extends beyond San Diego County, (the sixth-largest county in the United States) into under-represented Imperial County and Baja California.

Although the Reader is written in English, there is an awareness that San Diego is a culturally diverse region. The tone is informal and direct, the vocabulary concrete, and the sentence structure is not complex. The investigative articles usually feature five to ten San Diegans to show how the issue impacts different people from a variety of backgrounds. Frequently, the names of cities and communities, as well as local businesses, are used as examples, without bothering to explain a reference to readers outside the region.

Reader characteristics: Audience demographics are not available, but readers will be residents of the San Diego area. The publication is progressive; its coverage of local politics confronts issues critically. Its bias is inherent in its values. The attitude calls attention to those who exploit the average person. Some topics are intended to evoke outrage.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: The level of knowledge of LIS issues will vary and it can be safely assumed that readers have the same level of LIS knowledge as the general public.

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

The Reader has a reputation for high-quality writing that the readers have come to expect, suggesting, even in the limited fashion that contributions are accepted, that quality of writing would play a role in acceptance. Living in San Diego would be important in order to convey the essence of the city and county to readers.

Last updated: September 28, 2020

References

Show 10 footnotes

  1. “San Diego Reader,” SanDiegoReader.com, accessed November 1, 2016, http://www.sandiegoreader.com/ ↩
  2. “San Diego Reader,” Ulrichsweb, accessed November 1, 2016, http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/title/1415817959160/559101 ↩
  3. “San Diego Reader.” ↩
  4. “San Diego Reader,” Altweeklies.com, accessed November 1, 2016, from http://www.altweeklies.com/aan/san-diego-reader/Company?oid=80 ↩
  5. “Archives,” SanDiegoReader.com, accessed November 1, 2016, http://www.sandiegoreader.com/archives/ ↩
  6. “Contact Us,” SanDiegoReader.com, accessed November 1, 2016, http://www.sandiegoreader.com/contact/ ↩
  7. “Letters to the Editor,” SanDiegoReader.com, accessed November 1, 2016, http://www.sandiegoreader.com/letter-editor/ ↩
  8. “Contact Us.” ↩
  9. “Contact Us.” ↩
  10. “San Diego Reader.” ↩
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Oakland Magazine

By on March 7, 2013 in

Publication analysis

About the publication

Title: Oakland Magazine

ISSN: N/A

Website: http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/

Purpose, objective, or mission: Oakland Magazine is to speak to Oakland and East Bay (California) residents about “the exceptional beauty, diversity, and quality of life of Oakland and the greater East Bay.”1

Target audience: Oakland and East Bay residents.2

Publisher: Telegraph Media.3

Peer reviewed? No. 4

Type: Civilian, regional magazine.

Medium: Print and online.

Content: Sections include reporting; lifestyle; food and drink; and arts and culture, as they relate to the Oakland area. 5

Frequency of publication: Issues are published in print and online 10 times a year.6

About the publication’s submission guidelines

Location of submission guidelines: http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Oakland-Magazine/About-Us/Jobs/

Types of contributions accepted: “Ideal contributors are based in the East Bay and know the area’s diversions, people, issues and dynamics. It’s also important to be familiar with our magazines. We’re looking for good generalists as well as contributors who want to report on and write news and politics, lifestyle issues, food and drink, and arts and culture.”7

Submission and review process: From the website: “Send a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and a story idea to judy [at] alamedamgazine.com or judy [at] oaklandmagazine.com. Please write ‘Freelance Writer’ in your e-mail subject line. 8

“BEFORE YOU PITCH any ideas, however, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with our magazines, which includes general understanding of what our lifestyle-oriented magazines actually cover and our sections and departments. The editor prefers writers to pitch articles for specific sections of the magazine when possible. All queries should be well thought out and well researched yet short, to the point, and information packed. Upon receipt of a query that may interest the editor, clips and writing samples will be requested as evidence of the writer’s ability to complete the proposed assignment. Those should be sent via e-mail as attachments.”9

“We publish everything from 350-word shorts to 2,500-plus word in-depth features, with most articles somewhere between those extremes. In general, we run a majority of 500-word and 750-word to 1,000-word articles. Our lead-time is about three months. Pay depends on the complexity of the assignment, and Telegraph Media pays upon publication.”10

We publish everything from 350-word shorts to 2,500-plus word in-depth features, with most articles somewhere between those extremes. In general, we run a majority of 500-word and 750-word to 1,000-word articles. Our lead-time is about three months. Pay depends on the complexity of the assignment, and Telegraph Media pays upon publication.”11

Editorial tone: Conversational and informal.

Style guide used: Publication requests submissions be in AP style. 12

Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors

Oakland Magazine editors are probably not thinking about libraries when they are setting up their issues. However, as the magazine’s focus is on Oakland culture, the right library-oriented story could work very well, and could be wonderful marketing for local libraries. Potential writers should make sure that their pitches are well crafted and well timed.

 

Audience analysis

About the publication’s readers

Publication circulation: 20,000.13

Audience location and language or cultural considerations: The readers of Oakland Magazine primarily live in the city of Oakland, CA, but many readers may also live in the greater Bay Area. Writers should live in the area, as the articles are very geographically specific. English language publication for affluent active adults in the Oakland area and Bay Area.14

Reader characteristics: Readers of Oakland Magazine are adults interested in making the most of their time in the Oakland area. Their media kit proudly states that they reach a demographic with plenty of buying power, suggesting a possible source for financial support for libraries.15

Oakland Magazine is not profession-specific. Nonetheless, because of the readership’s demographic, it may be safely assumed that many of the readers are active professionals. Potential writers for Oakland Magazine wishing to write LIS-related essays should avoid technical jargon, and should be general enough in their approach that people from many different professions can find interesting access points into the article. Most readers probably do not consider libraries often but would be interested in strengthening their community (especially if they could see and be seen while doing it). Thus, pieces that emphasize either community responsibility or useful free resources would probably be the most advantageous for this publication.

Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Scant. Writers will certainly want to avoid LIS jargon and overly in-depth articles.

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

Readers of Oakland Magazine probably have little knowledge of library-oriented challenges and concerns, but are probably interested in community events. As such, Oakland Magazine could be a good venue to promote library events and library-positive opinion pieces. Any writing regarding libraries would have to be spun in a “feel-good-about-yourself” direction, so that the readers’ interests would be held. That said, a library-related article could have a large impact on an affluent, educated group — the very people who often will support libraries and their programs with financial donations.

Last updated: October 10, 2018

References

Show 15 footnotes

  1. “About Us,” OaklandMagazine.com, accessed October 18, 2016, http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Oakland-Magazine/About-Us/ ↩
  2. “About Us.” ↩
  3. “About Us.” ↩
  4. “Jobs,” OaklandMagazine.com, accessed October 18, 2016, http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Oakland-Magazine/About-Us/Jobs/ ↩
  5. “About Us.” ↩
  6. “About Us.” ↩
  7. “Jobs.” ↩
  8. “Jobs.” ↩
  9. “Jobs.” ↩
  10. “Jobs.” ↩
  11. “Jobs.” ↩
  12. “Jobs.” ↩
  13. “Media Kit,” OaklandMagazine.com, accessed October 9, 2018, https://www.oaklandmagazine.com/pdf/Media%20Kit-OM%202018.pdf ↩
  14. “Media Kit.” ↩
  15. “Media Kit.” ↩
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