Today I am going to take a look at two professional journals in the Library and Information Science field. The two journals I chose to look into are The American Archivist and The Electronic Library.
The American Archivist
ISSN: 0360-9081
"The journal seeks to reflect thinking about theoretical and practical developments in the archival profession, particularly in North America; about the relationships between archivists and the creators and users of archives; and about cultural, social, legal, and technological developments that affect the nature of recorded information and the need to create and maintain it" (The American Archivist 2014).
I chose to look at The American Archivist because this is one field I am thinking about taking my career into. Therefore this would be a good journal to keep my eye on.The American Archivist is edited by Gregory S. Hunter. He is the chair of the editorial team, but there are 14 more members who are also one the editorial team. The board ultimately decides between the submissions they get the ones that will be published into the journal. The American Archivist publishes a lot of different types of work. They publish Research Articles, Case Studies, Perspective, International Scene, Professional Resources.
The American Archivist's intended audience is generally people who are archivists, have interest in becoming an archivist and people with a general interest in Archives. It is and available to the public online, dating from three years until it began. The most current three years are available for a fee. If you are a SAA member you receive print copies of the journal along with access to the most current three years issued.
The whole thing is interesting to me as a whole. I think the journal is a great read when trying to learn more about the field and that is exactly what I am doing. The topic I find most interesting is the case studies. I like to see what new studies have been conducted and seeing the results that come up as well. That stuff as always interested me more.
The Electronic Library
ISSN: 0264-0473
"The journal is particularly focused on exploring, applying, and evaluating new theories and technologies to create better digital libraries and enhanced library services. Topics covered include automation, digitisation, user interfaces, networks, information centres, hardware and software development, and technology" (The Electronic Library 2014).
I chose to look into The Electronic Library because as I have started to take my MLIS classes I have realized just how important technology is to the field. The world is getting more and more invested in technology. As we do this as a society our libraries need to adapt to the change as well. Therefore a technology journal is very beneficial to have to help you informed of new things happening in the technological world. The Electronic Library is really nice because it is focused on technology in the library as well, so we can see how people are using the new technology to our field exactly.
The Editor of The Electronic Library is Dr. Jinagpin Chen. There are 7 more specialized editors along with one publisher, and a editorial board of 26 members. They take submissions for the journal on a number of subjects:
- "Libraries and the web
- Digital Libraries
- Library technology and automation
- Software and hardware developments for information management and sharing
- Library networking, integrated library systems, and online public access catalogues
- User interfaces and web usability
- Internet access and use
- e-books, databases, and e-journals
- e-governance and e-readiness
- Library services for online and distance learning"
(The Electronic Library 2014).
To view The Electronic Library you need to subscribe of the Emerald e-journals. If you are a part of that you can view any article at your leisure. You can also purchase the article to view as well. As a Wayne State University student I have the ability to view the journal through our school library.
The most interesting topic in the journal that I have found would be anything on digital libraries and e-books. I find that stuff very interesting as nooks and kindles become more popular. I like to see what new things they are doing with these products and digital libraries in general.
Comparison
Similarities
- You need to be subscribed to both to be able to view all of the collection
- Both have a team of editors to help decide what will be published.
- Both accept articles to be published in the journals.
- Both have a few sample articles available for free
Differences
- The Electronic Library is more about electronics whereas The American Archivist is about Archives
- The Electronic Library has a lot more on the editorial team.
- The American Archivist has peer review every once in a while for their journal.
Overall Both journals are a great source of information. One can learn a lot about the archives or technology in the library from these journals. The only downside is you have to subscribe or become a member to really get the full benefits of what these journals have to offer. Other than that, they were fun to research and get to know better.
Ashley
References:
The American Archivist. (2014). Society of American Archivists. Retrieved from http://www2.archivists.org/american-archivist
The Electronic Library. (2014). Emerald Group Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/journals.htm?id=el
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