I once attended a financial crime research conference and, at the gala dinner, found myself sitting next to the lead investigator in cybercrime from Nigeria. It was fascinating to hear some of the stories he had to share, including instances of tracking down the people who sent those seemingly now extinct emails purporting to be … Continue reading Anatomy of a Predatory Journal Email (Part 1)
Could We Cope Without COPE?
This week is COPE's Publication Integrity Week 2025, with five days of online events and activities to highlight issues around publishing integrity. It is COPE’s (the Committee on Publication Ethics) attempt to ensure it addresses current concerns in the scholarly communications community, and each day focuses on a different theme. This year, COPE has identified … Continue reading Could We Cope Without COPE?
Is the Article *Really* Dead?
I was fortunate to attend the annual Charleston Conference last week, and in addition to the lovely weather and beautiful surroundings of South Carolina in early November, I was able to enjoy a vibrant and serious-minded event against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges. While there was an overall mood of deep concern for librarianship, there … Continue reading Is the Article *Really* Dead?
What Does ‘Beta’ Even Mean?
For those of us who have been in scholarly communications for a number of years, one of the most noticeable shifts in the industry has been the use of language and how it has morphed from being almost historical in nature to being at the cutting edge of the ‘tech bro’ vernacular. These days in … Continue reading What Does ‘Beta’ Even Mean?
Will AI + OA be OK?
If you are anything like me, you will have been experiencing serious FOMO in the last week as colleagues and acquaintances descended on Frankfurt for the annual publishing social, interrupted intermittently by the Book Fair. From what most LinkedIn posts would have you believe, a good time was had by all, but some of that … Continue reading Will AI + OA be OK?
Beer, Chips and System Failures
Whatever your political persuasion, in recent times it seems apparent that things are not quite how they should be. Things are never perfect, of course, but no matter your views, there appears to be a groundswell of opinion that things need to change. And with social media turbocharging our keyboard warrior tendencies, we also need … Continue reading Beer, Chips and System Failures
The Most Important Number in Publishing?
Happy 50th birthday to ISSN! Yes, this week marks the half-century of ISSN International Centre, the body that manages the identifications of serial publications globally. Originally known as the International Serials Data System (ISDS), it was set up jointly by the UNESCO and France in 1975, and has been based in Paris ever since. The … Continue reading The Most Important Number in Publishing?
Peer Review: Weak?
Now a fixture in the scholarly communications calendar, Peer Review Week has become one of those pivots that for many people, the year revolves around. Like children going back to school after the summer break, or the inexorable slowdown ahead of Christmas, this week in mid-September serves as a reflection point on what has gone … Continue reading Peer Review: Weak?
No Summer Break for Scholarly Communications: AI, Integrity, and Policy Updates
For those in the media, the summer months have habitually taken on a rose-tinted hue, not all ascribable to the pink-coloured wine that is so popular at this time of year. No, as the weather gets warmer and readers go on holiday to get away from all the bad news that permeates through the media … Continue reading No Summer Break for Scholarly Communications: AI, Integrity, and Policy Updates
Remember Who the Bad Guys Are
Close followers of recent geopolitics will be forgiven for wondering if the good guys and bad guys of the traditional world order have been swapping sides. When a dictator who has invaded a country gets praised while some of the oldest democracies are attacked for their positions, it’s tempting to slap yourself about the face … Continue reading Remember Who the Bad Guys Are