Writing and editing are dynamic, creative processes. At some point both author and editor must release the finished product and submit to the production process (more copyediting, proofing, and queries). To offer the best manuscript possible, keep in mind the following points. Surround yourself with current reference resources.....Read more

It can be a daunting task to try to publish when you’re new to any profession and I think this is especially true for newly-minted librarians. Typically, LIS programs don’t emphasize research and writing as much as other fields. The simplest advice that I can pass along to you is to start small and think big.....Read more

You have a finished draft of your article. Now you’re puzzling over which journal to submit it to. Fortunately, the research you did for your literature review can provide guidance as to which journals publish articles related to your topic. You can also identify likely journals through Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory, then browse recent issues (or their online tables of contents) to pinpoint journals covering topics similar to yours. Then ask five questions about each journal you’re considering.....Read more

Different types of manuscripts are organized in different ways and contain different components. Though one does not have to follow a rigid outline, following generally accepted and expected practices can help the reader understand what you are saying.....Read more

Preparing a manuscript for publication is a multi-faceted and, sometimes, anxiety-ridden task. Tips presented here should help you keep track of issues you need to think about and complete your work successfully. At each stage of your writing, there are elements to have in place as you plan to submit your manuscript to a journal. For simplicity’s sake, we have grouped the elements into three categories: developing your project, manuscript organization and components, and technical preparation. Developing Your Project....Read more

Dear Library and Information Science Colleagues, It is a great pleasure to offer introductory comments for this new edition of “How to Get Published in LIS Journals: A Practical Guide.” As I began to think about what to write, I was struck by the subtitle “a practical guide.” Indeed, much of what might seem mysterious to authors seeking to contribute to the library literature is simply practical.....Read more

At the University of Minnesota, librarians conduct workshops on the effective use of online resources to identify possible funding sources. This is a joint effort of the university’s libraries and the Office for the Vice President for Research (OVPR). During the recent ACRL 14th National Conference in Seattle, we presented a poster to share the highlights of our grant funding workshops. In sharing those highlights again, we hope to inspire other librarians to consider similar projects. The backstory....Read more

Return on investment (ROI) is one approach to demonstrating the value of the academic library to university administration and faculty. In this way, ROI helps in choosing the most effective ways forward for the library in tight economic times. Together with measuring the implied value of library products and services (through patron usage) and assessing the explicit value of the library to stakeholders through testimonials gathered in interviews and focus groups, ROI can be a part of the ongoing assessment and measurement tactics that modern academic libraries must undertake.....Read more