Articles

Introductory Comments by James Mouw

Jan 3, 2012

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.

Seeking to Publish? Prepare for Success!

Jan 3, 2012

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

Questions to Ask When Selecting a Journal

Jan 3, 2012

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.

Start Small — Think Big

Jan 3, 2012

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.

Lessons Learned as Author and Editor

Jan 4, 2012

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.

Peer Review

Jan 4, 2012

Scholarship and research in library and information studies most often appear in journals, monographs, annual reviews, and conference proceedings. Those journals, especially the ones operating at the national and international levels, tend to be subject to editorial peer review – prepublication review.

Write Now! Publishing for MLS Students

Jan 4, 2012

Students pursuing master’s degrees in library science often assume they need their new degrees in hand to write for publication, but much the opposite is true. Every way we involve ourselves in the profession while in school helps increase our opportunities, our career prospects, and our name recognition. Just as it is counterproductive to wait until you finish school to join professional organizations, become active on committees, or put in time working in a library, waiting to write will not help you achieve your goals.

The LIS International Perspective: Real, Needed, and Supported

Jan 4, 2012

An international perspective of the library and information science (LIS) profession is increasingly important nowadays given global access to information, as well as the trend among libraries and information institutions worldwide to share information resources and collaborate. Through their discourse, in person and via the written word, information professionals across generations are contributing to the ever-evolving international perspective.

Associations, Schools, and Libraries Offer Support

RA21 explained: A project that aims to revolutionize access to library content

Library Connect interviews Todd Carpenter, Executive Director, NISO | Apr 20, 2018

RA21 Devices

Learn more about RA21 (Resource Access for the 21st Century) is a joint initiative by STM, the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers, and NISO, the US-based National Information Standards Organization, to explore alternatives to traditional access and identity management tools - a problem facing librarians around the globe.