Open Archive Initiative, Publishers and Scientific Societies: Future of Publishing — Next Generation Publishing Models (Panel 2)

Abstract

This panel will look into the future of publishing as a process between authoring communities such as scientific associations and publishers, i.e., non profit organizations on the one hand, and commercial enterprizes responsible for performing the production, marketing, sales and distribution of publications on the other hand.

Just recently and especially triggered by the activities of, for example the Open Archive Initiative and other similar movements, the discussion between the different stake holders in the scientific publishing process has become more intensive.

It is generally questioned whether the traditional publishing models are still valid since the advent of electronic publishing tools enable publishing from the desktop, and public distribution mechanisms like the web enable distribution at virtually no cost. These developments have produced a totally different scenario from the past.

In this context the passing of intellectual property rights from authors to publishing companies is questioned in the same way as the validity of traditional business models, pricing policies, and access regulations. On the other hand, issues like quality assurance etc. and the cost of high quality production, distribution, and maintenance of intellectual collections cannot be neglected. The members of the panel are exemplary representatives of the different stakeholders in the scientific publishing process and will report on what has been achieved so far in the discussion and on still open questions. Their presentations will include their view on which agreements have to be achieved in the future for organizing and supporting the scientific publishing process in a fair way, at the same time paving the ground for organizational innovation in other areas of publication.