Publishing research in LIS journals

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shenton, Andrew K.

Affiliations: Division of Information and Communication Studies, School of Informatics, Lipman Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

Abstract: In contrast to the considerable coverage of research methods and report writing, relatively little attention has been given in the professional literature to the steps that should be taken and issues which may be borne in mind by a researcher seeking to have his or her work published. By addressing ten broad questions reflecting common concerns, this paper is designed to give a beginner guidance in his or her efforts to publish research in Library and Information Science journals. It deals with such matters as the benefits to be gained from having one's work disseminated in this way, factors that the researcher may wish to consider in determining a journal to target, matters of ethics and etiquette associated with publishing, the structure that may be employed within a paper and the criteria typically used by editors and reviewers when assessing submissions. A sequenced list of significant stages within the publication process and principles for good practice are also presented. The paper concludes with consideration of the qualities and skills that the published author may be expected to demonstrate and isolates instances in which they are applied.

Keywords: journals, publishing, research, writing

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2005-23302

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 141-163, 2005