Social license, in the context of research, is a form of public ‘approval’ that ensures research is funded, that its results are respected, and that participation is willingly engaged in, where needed. For many reasons, it seems as if researchers’ current social license is in danger of being revoked. Charlie Rapple explores what might be required to ensure it is renewed.
Could scholarly publishers’ skills and capacity be re-positioned to serve researchers at earlier stages in the research process, “upstream” of publication? Charlie Rapple shares findings from a survey of the communications needs of almost 10,000 researchers.
Charlie Rapple summarizes the panel discussion from SSP’s first UK regional event, with highlights and tips relating to career breadth, the pros and cons of working in big vs small companies, becoming a leader, networking, “becoming your best self” and “getting comfortable being uncomfortable”.
LEGO is increasingly being used in teaching and research. Here are some fun examples of how and why it can be useful.
In a sector awash with training courses, what makes the FORCE11 Scholarly Communications Institute necessary, or different? The academic nature of its approach, the bang for your buck, and the high density of change-makers.
A website that provided fonts based on the handwriting of famous songwriters has been shut down. But is there actually a legal case to answer?
In honour of International Women’s Day, Time’s Up, #MeToo, and a range of recent initiatives trying to tackle equality in the workplace, Charlie Rapple provides thoughts on how to avoid inappropriate comments and behaviors that unintentionally give offense.
The beginning of the holiday season means it’s time for our annual list of our favorite books read during the year. Part 1 today, Part 2 tomorrow.
Last week’s Transforming Research conference in Baltimore, MD, gathered a range of speakers across the academic and professional spectrum. Charlie Rapple highlights some of the new research that was shared, and draws out some of the prevalent themes.
A new initiative has been launched to define best practices for simplifying transfer of submitted manuscripts across publishers and systems.
Charlie Rapple highlights the case of Diego Gómez, a Columbian researcher facing prison for sharing someone else’s thesis via Scribd. The case was brought by the thesis’ author, but publishers’ policies may partly be responsible.
A new survey provides an updated view of how and why researchers are using scholarly collaboration networks. Charlie Rapple shares key findings.
A recent UKSG conference explored what researchers need from scholarly communications, and whether the provisions of publishers, libraries and others are keeping up. Once again, the biggest frustration is rooted not in publisher / library services but in institutional structures for recognition.
What do people mean when they say scholarly publishing is “ripe for disruption”? Where might such disruption come from, and what will drive its success?
A recent article by a young researcher, “I’m a serious academic, not a professional Instagrammer”, has spawned a range of responses under the #seriousacademic hashtag. Charlie Rapple summarizes, and considers why it is that “serious” academics might choose not to use social media.