From publishing continuum to interactive exchange: The evolution of the scholarly communication process

Abstract

Summary: Primary and secondary publishers have traditionally defined their role within the scientific communication process in terms of a model in which information flows in a neat, linear way from author/inventor to primary publisher to secondary publisher and back-either directly or through other intermediators and expediters-to me authors and inventors who need the information to support their own research. This “production orientation” model-closely tied to print technology, even though some of its forms are now electronic-continues to function. But these “channels” are increasingly being augmented by electronic alternatives that often defy definition under the production chain model. This paper will share the observations and thoughts of secondary publishers and information providers on trends, focusing on threats and opportunities for scholarly communication. © 1997 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.