Will a Renewed Re-examination of the Big Deal Itself Be a Big Deal?
As budgets make librarians look for better deals, the Big Deals fall under close scrutiny.
Challenging the Access Crisis
A review of the literature shows that access conditions are getting better, not worse. So, why do we hear just the opposite?
The Economic Mess — A Factor We Cannot Ignore
The economic stagnation sweeping the globe is hitting academia. For publishers and others, the implications can be severe and long-term.
The Ticklish Problem of Pricing E-books for Libraries
As publications move to digital form, libraries are taking on a greater share of the total volume of publishers’ income. This inevitably leads to conflicts.
A Journal Is Not a Data Dump
Overburdened by supplemental data, journal limits publication to “essentials” plus non-article formats.
Is the Internet Bad for Our Brains? The Answer Is Subtle and Complex, But Quite Reassuring
More proof that Google isn’t making us “stooopid” — rather, we’re just being human, and that’s OK.
The First-World Problems Rap — A Little Perspective Before the 4th of July
A teen nails the woes of the blithely pampered.
Pondering the 5 W’s of Publication Funding – Who, What, When, Where, and Why
While all sustainable publishing requires funding, where the funding comes from, why it’s provided, who provides it, when it’s provided, and what they expect for it sheds some light on some key issues.
PLoS ONE's 2010 Impact Factor
Does the success of the scalable, multidisciplinary open access mega journal signal the imminent demise of the specialized, highly-selective subscription journal?
What We Can Learn From Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series will now be available as e-books. Among the lessons for publishers is the desirability of direct-marketing.
Blogs Meet Academic Biases, Are Offered an Ironic Prize for Good Online Content
A new initiative to feature online content shows its cards when it names the ultimate honor it can convey on selections.
A New Study Asks a Troubling Question: Are We Losing Our Minds?
A new study being touted by Nicholas Carr reveals a lack of healthy skepticism and more problems with “methodologically sound.”
Setting the Agenda: Key Issues for Scholarly Publishing
What are the key issues for scholarly publishing today? Setting the agenda for productive discussion.
Stick to Your Ribs: The Editorial Fallacy
Revisiting a popular and important post — the editorial fallacy, that belief that more or better manuscripts can save you from disruptive change.
A New Form of Filter Failure — The Invisible Dangers of the Online "Filter Bubble"
The downside of silent filters becomes crystal clear in this important talk.