UKSG TRANSFER Working Group releases Version 1.0 of its Code of Practice

["Acreman, Beverley" <Beverley.Acreman@tandf.co.uk>]

**With apologies for cross-posting**

UKSG TRANSFER Working Group releases Version 1.0 of its Code of 
Practice to Improve Procedures for Journals Transferring Between 
Publishers for public comment and review

Oxford, UK - 7th April 2008- the TRANSFER Working Group launched 
Version 1.0 of its Code of Practice 
(http://www.uksg.org/transfer/papers) which aims to improve the 
procedures and policies surrounding the transfer of journals 
between publishers. The initial draft of the Code was released in 
April 2007 and was applauded as an excellent first step forward 
by the contributing library and publisher community.  Over the 
last year the Working Group, made up of publishers, librarians 
and agents has revised and improved the initial draft of the 
Code.  Version 1.0 of the Code has been released for a public 
review period to last until 31 May 2008.

The Code is a set of voluntary guidelines for publishers involved 
in any journal transfer.  Comprehensive in its detail, the Code 
covers the thorny issues of ongoing access provision to online 
content, exchange of subscriber lists, DOI and URL transfer as 
well as perpetual access rights to journal content.

The TRANSFER Working Group is inviting comments on the Code 
through the TRANSFER website: <http://www.uksg.org/transfer> 
where the Code of Practice and other information can also be 
found. Full details of the Code are being presented at the UKSG 
Annual Conference in Torquay, UK (7-9 April 2008) where there 
will be a briefing session by Ed Pentz, Executive Director of 
CrossRef and Chair of the TRANSFER Working Group.

After the public review period the Working Group will review the 
comments and decide if any revisions are needed to the Code in 
light of comments received.  Once this is done the Code of 
Practice will be formally released and publishers will be asked 
to agree to follow the Code.  Publishers agreeing to align their 
procedures with the Code, and to apply them in practice when 
working with other, similarly aligned publishers, will be 
considered 'TRANSFER Compliant'.  Publishers can apply the Code 
of Practice immediately for their wholly-owned journals and can 
do so for journals owned by a third party (such as a society) 
with new or revised contracts.

If you would like more information about the TRANSFER Code of 
Practice, please contact Ed Pentz, Chair, TRANSFER Working Group, 
email:epentz@crossref.org

About the UKSG

The UK Serials Group (UKSG) exists to encourage the exchange of 
ideas on printed and electronic serials and the process of 
scholarly communication. In a dynamic environment, the UKSG works 
to:

* promote discussion and the free flow of information on serials 
matters and associated technology,

* develop links between all parties in the serials information 
chain encourage professional awareness, stimulate research and 
provide a programme of training and education.

The UKSG is a registered charity and a company limited by 
guarantee. It is the only organisation spanning the wide range of 
interests and activities between serials producers and 
readers.