Experiences of returning authors

Fiona Matthews Senior Research ScientistInstitute of Public Health

University of Cambridge, Cambridge

BioMed Central Colloquium

Thursday 8th February 2007, The Royal College of Physicians, London, UK

Public Health and Methodology in online journals

• Quality – such a range of journals now that there is almost the same range in quality as the print journals

• Quantity – it is important for researchers to be able to place their research in journals that have similar or related topics

Advantages

• Review and publication are usually fast• Size of the paper is less constrained than

print journals• Colour figures are easier• Three-dimensional and animated graphics

can be included • Range of journals are now available• Easier access - Everyone (and anyone)

can read your paper

Disadvantages

• Misconceptions about impact factors and value of journals (slowly receding now with more citations)

• No physical presence in libraries

Decision process as to where to publish

• Online journals are considered equally with the print journals

• Size of article and speed are considered when prioritising the journal to use, online journals score well here

• Impact and readability are important, as is whether the journal content is similar to the new article

• Citation rates from those sent to online journals are the same as our print journals

Experiences of returning authors

Fiona Matthews Senior Research ScientistInstitute of Public Health

University of Cambridge, Cambridge

BioMed Central Colloquium

Thursday 8th February 2007, The Royal College of Physicians, London, UK

Quality and quantity from an author’s perspective

BioMed Central ColloquiumThursday 8th February 2007

The Royal College of Physicians, UK