Leading article: Science journals: Publishing progress

http://0-proquest.umi.com.lib1000.dlsu.edu.ph/pqdweb?index=23&did=423146621&SrchMode=2&sid=6&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1249079323&clientId=47883


Leading article: Science journals: Publishing progress
The Guardian. London (UK): Oct 13, 2003. Pg. 19


Abstract (Summary)


Backed by Nobel prize winners and a respected US charity, "open access" aims to overturn three centuries of publishing tradition. This alternative has arrived just in time - as even well-financed university libraries are finding it difficult to stock the full range of scientific journals, thanks to annual subscriptions which now carry a price tag of as much as pounds 15,000. But for the new publishing model to work, two things have to change: one is to do with mindset; the other with money. First, scientists must start using the online journals rather than established outlets for important new bits of research. Second, the way of funding the process of peer review, which ensures scientists can trust what they read, must be redesigned.


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Things I learned from my Reading Assignment (RA)



A challenge facing the modern age is ensuring that knowledge spreads through society, that access to resources should not only limits for those who can afford it.
“Open Access Publication” offers inexpensive access to information to make new ideas available to someone else. For a third world country it would be very helpful for those who cannot afford subscription of expensive academic journals where publishing houses controls the cost of its distribution, this would benefit in boosting and enhancing poor countries in alleviating education and ending poverty. Access to resources should be accessible also anywhere and anytime; thanks to “Internet” that offers an inexpensive and convenient way for information e.g. where a scholar student from the Philippines could access information from the U.S. in the recent scientific software development in biochemistry for his/her report. In addition posting of information thru “Internet” is immediate compare to the traditional way of “commercial publishing houses” where within its initial distribution in the market information were already out-of-date this defeat the purpose of giving recent information or development specially in the field of science, technology, & medicine. “Open Access Publication” is an alternative for those who cannot afford libraries - and even well-financed university libraries that are finding it difficult to stock their full range academic journals, a convenient modern way compare to traditional way of stocking.
Access to resources for me should be free for all, but the debate regarding copyright and plagiarism is a big issue. But as a user one should be responsible to exercise observance of proper citation of these “Open Access Publication” giving credit to authors may give way to a more liberal perpetual access to free information.