Transforming Scientific Communication for the 21st Century

Abstract

Since its inception in the 17th century the research journal emerged as the formal communication method in the sciences. The last half of the 20th century has seen stresses develop on the journal system due to the explosion of scientific research, increasing subscription costs, and technological advances. New models, taking advantage of digital technology, have demonstrated that great improvements are possible if the scientific community is willing to embrace change. Two methods for significantly changing the model are suggested: adopting an e-print moderator model which decouples the dissemination of information from its review, and shifting the costs of publication from the reader to the author and sponsoring agencies and organizations.