Lost (in) space for dialogue: On the (abandoned) need for working papers in human geography

Abstract

Working papers have traditionally been an important means of communication in social sciences, including human geography. However, while some series have thrived for decades, working paper series in human geography are generally less common than in some other social sciences or the natural sciences, and face an uncertain future. Based on a survey with the editors of thirty journals in human geography, we draw a diverse and rather controversial picture of the current landscape of working paper series. We delve into the histories of some of the most prominent working paper series, identify key trends and propose ideas about the potential future of working paper series to enrich disciplinary spaces of dialogue.