The cost profiles of alternative approaches to journal publishing

["B.G. Sloan" <bgsloan2@yahoo.com>]

Clarke, Roger. The cost profiles of alternative approaches to
journal publishing. First Monday, Volume 12 Number 12 - 3
December 2007.

Full text:

http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2048/1906


Abstract:

The digital era is having a substantial impact on journal
publishing. In order to assist in analysing this impact, a model
is developed of the costs incurred in operating a refereed
journal. Published information and estimates are used to apply
the model to a computation of the total costs and per-article
costs of various forms of journal publishing. Particular
attention is paid to the differences between print and electronic
forms of journals, to the various forms of open access, and to
the differences between not-for-profit and for-profit publishing
undertakings.

Insight is provided into why for-profit publishing is
considerably more expensive than equivalent activities undertaken
by unincorporated mutuals and not-for-profit associations.
Conclusions are drawn concerning the current debates among
conventional approaches and the various open alternatives.

Bernie Sloan