Research and writing

The publishing environment comprises a complex mosaic of people, policies and organizations, and it is difficult to gain the knowledge required for effective strategies whilst maintaining an ongoing business. We provide a research service that can investigate and provide essential information to publishers and agencies supporting scholarly/scientific publishing.

Examples of research that we have undertaken includes:

• Surveying and interviewing publishers to develop an overview of different methods used for recruitment within the UK and worldwide. This research was used to ascertain the methods used by employers to advertise vacancies, and by job-seekers to find suitable positions. The output of the 2010 research was published by Oxford Brookes University, and is available for download (PDF).
• Assessing the publishing decisions made by a particular group of authors. This information was then used by the publisher to develop more author-friendly strategies to encourage increased submission. 
• We researched the representation of authors from developing world countries in ISI-indexed journals. This was used to assist the development of a support programme for specific countries. 
• We provide ongoing editorial management of the ALPSP Hot Topics website, updating links and information about current publishing issues.

We have also undertaken work for the UK Sector Skills Agency, Skillset to run a series of focus groups to ascertain skills and training needs across the publishing industry, including newspapers, magazines, books, journals, and directories. This work was then written up in a "Skills Needs Analysis" document for government.

Writing and editing

Pippa Smart writes the ALPSP Alert, a monthly newsletter that includes over 50 items of news and opinion on developments and publications of interest to the academic, research and professional publishing sector.

We are happy to discuss any requirements. Please contact us.