Purpose: The goal of this guide is to provide a clear overview of the topics of predatory journals and questionable conferences and advice on how to avoid them. This guide intentionally adopts a plain language approach to ensure it is accessible to readers with a variety English language proficiency levels. Methods: Electronic searches were…

In the last few years, I have been presenting workshops on publishing (among other topics) in many countries across 6 continents. And presenting these workshops in various countries has allowed me to learn the policies and practices of editors of journals representing numerous countries, thereby helping me to broaden the framework for writing…

Whether you have an interest in starting an ebook collection for your school library program or are working on enhancing an ebook collection you've already established, this handbook is for you. The world of ebooks is both vast and intricate. Exploring the many articles concerning ebook publication, vendors, devices, and copyright laws can be…

Academic libraries routinely struggle to afford access to expensive journals, and patrons may not be able to obtain every scholarly paper they need. Is Open Access (OA) the answer? In this ALA Editions Special Report, Crawford helps readers understand what OA is (and isn't), as he concisely: (1) Analyzes the factors that have brought libraries to…

This book is for community leaders, librarians, library committees, volunteers, aid workers and others who are interested in the practical aspect of starting and maintaining a successful library. Throughout the developing world, countless dedicated people respond to the pressing need for information in their communities by helping to start a…

Points to remember in getting a textbook published are examined: book idea, publisher's sales representatives, letter of inquiry, qualifications for authorship, author information form, idea proposal, reviews, marketing and sales, publishing agreement, author royalties, and copyright assignment. (CT)

This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship" including library, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United States…

In 1979, a Committee on Production Guidelines for Book Longevity was formed to study some aspects of the book preservation problem. Composed of representatives from libraries, publishing, and the paper industry, the committee set two primary objectives: to increase knowledge about the durability of books and other materials, and to encourage…

Presents a description of a favorite innovative textbook (published in the 1970s) for an English methods course, entitled "Montage: Investigations in Language." (SR)

Specific guidelines for having textbook manuscripts published are presented with emphasis on procedures used by commercial textbook publishers. (JMF)

Describes the author's experience conjoining her academic training and background in publishing to encourage her students to think about the larger context of their writing. Finds that a wealth of new options and pedagogic techniques become possible when extra-academic experience is brought into the classroom. (SG)

This book provides a commentary on the current copyright law as it affects authors of creative works, intended for authors as well as for business people who need to know more than just the fundamentals. The book has application for novelists, playwrights, poets, biographers, journalists, historians, educators, artists, designers, musicians,…

Word processing software and microcomputers can be used in the production of college catalogs with several advantages. The personal computer can assist in all phases of catalog production. In the preliminary preparation of the catalog text, the microcomputer can serve as the central location of all stored data, it can facilitate the editing…

This article discusses the importance of association publications to libraries and describes how libraries can identify and obtain these publications for their collections. Advantages of association publications (breadth, timeliness, expertise, cost savings), directories and listings, and how to obtain elusive publications are highlighted. (EJS)

Offers tips on what to do and what to avoid when preparing materials for publication. The "Biographical Dictionary of American Educators" serves as a case study. (DB)