Presented at
PKP Scholarly Publishing Conference
11-13 July, 2007
Mark Mattaini
Fact about the journal:
The initial publishing of the journal Behavior and Social Issues was in 1978. Since that time, the journal has changed its name many times:
(until 1990): Behavior Analysis and Social Action.
(until 1986): Behaviorists for Social Action Journal.
The journal is managed by volunteers.
Published two times a year.
In 2000, the editorial board decided to go online.
In 2005, partnership with
Liberation:
Number of visits and downloads gone up 125% from last year.
Enhanced interface.
Plan to go online only (publishing both versions takes more time than hard copy alone).
Provides quality online presence.
Struggle:
Philosophical struggles with editorial boards: debate to go open access.
Practical: financial advantages of commercial publishers vs. public knowledge and justice considerations.
Sustainability: heavily dependent on individuals (e.g. editor)
The commitment required for the volunteers who generally produce such journals
Increased load of faculty and tech staff.
Conclusion:
The journal is a good experience for the editor but keeping the journal running is difficult task. Volunteers do most of the work and sustaining the journal is an important element.
Useful links:
Journal website:
http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php?journal=bsi&page=index
