THE ELECTRONIC JOURNAL 1987-2004

Abstract

In this chapter we move from theory to reality by looking at the actual impact of digitization on the scientific journal. We begin by developing an analytical framework based on the concepts of digitization described in the previous chapter. This is then used as the basis for an empirical study of peer-reviewed e-journals from the first stage of development ranging from 1987 to 2004. 1 A second study examines the use of digital properties in open access journals from the third development stage. The chapter ends with a summary of the results and conclusions.