‘Scholarly Journals: The Changing Landscape’

Naga Scholars’ Association organizes special lecture

Dimapur, October 30 (MExN): The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) organized a special lecture on ‘Scholarly Journals: Changing Landscape’ at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi on October 28.  

The special lecture discussed the emerging of the many formats of scholarly journals that have come into being since the turn of the century. Journal, as a scholarly mode of communication is now 350 years old. It has grown and evolved over the period of time, NSA stated in a press release.  

Dr. G. Mahesh, Senior Principal Scientist at NISCAIR, New Delhi, who is associated with several international and national journals in different capacities, was the resource person at the lecture.  

The speaker spoke on the role of NISCAIR in scientific communication, which publishes 18 popular periodicals of high standing in academic circles. Discussing the evolution of journals, Dr. Mahesh stated that as official organs and as medium of exchange for research among researchers and institutions, their publication started from societies and institutions. Later their publication was taken over by publishing houses resulting into increasing the cost of journals.  

He further stated that the concept of ‘Open Access Journals’ is a recent phenomena which is meant to overcome the costs of journals in order to benefit the scholarly community. With regard to ‘Open Access Journals’ the payment for these journals are either borne by authors or their institutions. The speaker also gave insights on the different characteristics in publications in ‘Open Access Journals’ such as: Published as Gold, Platinum, Delayed and Hybrid Open Access Journals.  

He further discussed about Mega journal, Video journal and Wiki journal, which further gave birth to Data Journal. The latest in the development is a repository of papers from which journals will select and provide link in Overlay Journal. The talk was followed by intense discussion and questions by participants.  

Since scholars across the globe today are faced with too much information overloading, the topic ‘Changing Landscape of Scholarly Journal’ was appropriate and had greatly enriched the gatherings.  

Earlier, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan, president of NSA started the session with a welcome address and had briefly introduced the activities and vision of NSA to the gathering.  

The session was chaired by Prof. Jaideep Sharma, a professor of Library and Information Science, IGNOU, New Delhi. Prof. Jaideep as several books to his credit and is one of the most sought after professors in the discipline of library and information science across India.  

The rapporteur was KK Loung Nathan, executive secretary of NSA.