Taking on the title of Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of an academic journal is not always a simple endeavor. There is a lot of responsibility and time that goes into this position. We reached out to Dr. Manika Lamba who is EiC of
International Journal of Library and Information Services (IJLIS) to hear her thoughts, outlook, and mission when it comes to leading an Open Access journal.
Dr. Lamba's journal, International Journal of Library and Information Services, aims to disseminate emerging research in library service innovation, and provide a venue for librarians, researchers, professionals, vendors, and academics to interact and exchange ideas. The journal addresses a variety of technologies, scholarly perspectives, and applications in the field.
To you, what are the most important attributes of your journal? What sets your journal apart from others?
Dr. Lamba: I believe that the most important attributes of our journal are the quality of the papers and our rigorous peer review process. Our peer review process is designed to ensure that all papers published in
International Journal of Library and Information Services (IJLIS) are of high quality and provide valuable contributions to the field of library and information science. IJLIS stands out from other journals in the field due to the broad range of research topics we publish on, which cover various aspects of library service innovation. Our journal goes beyond traditional topics and explores emerging trends, innovative approaches, and best practices that contribute to the advancement of the library and information science profession. Another important attribute of the journal is that we are freely available under open access worldwide. This means that anyone can access our articles without any barriers, promoting knowledge-sharing and enabling researchers and professionals from all over the world to access our latest research and innovative approaches.
What does it mean for you to lead an open access journal where all new published content is freely available worldwide?
Dr. Lamba: Leading an open access journal is a matter of great pride and responsibility. As the EIC of an open access journal, it is my responsibility to ensure that the highest standards of quality and rigor are maintained in the peer review process and in the selection of papers for publication. This includes ensuring that our authors receive constructive feedback and support to improve the quality of their research and that our readers have access to papers that are valuable contributions to the field.
Who will benefit from the open access research within International Journal of Library and Information Services?
Dr. Lamba: I believe that knowledge-sharing and open access are important aspects for the advancement of research. By providing free and unrestricted access to our latest research and innovative approaches, we are contributing to the global community of researchers, professionals, and students who are passionate about this field.
What is your outlook on Open Access research in the future as more mandates are put in place and more publications take up the open access model of publishing?
Dr. Lamba: Open access is an essential movement that promotes the dissemination of knowledge and research to a wider audience, regardless of geographical or financial barriers. With the advent of the internet and digital technologies, open access publishing has become easier and more cost-effective than ever before, making it an attractive option for authors, publishers, and readers alike. As more funding agencies and institutions put in place mandates that require researchers to make their research openly accessible, the impact of open access publishing will continue to grow. This will lead to increased visibility and citation of open access research, which can benefit authors, institutions, and the wider scientific community. Open access publishing can also promote transparency and accountability in research, which can lead to greater trust and confidence in the scientific enterprise. By publishing in open access journals, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the world by providing access to knowledge that can drive social and economic progress.
Are there any trending/niche research areas that you are looking for in the articles submitted to your journal? What are some future directions for your research?
Dr. Lamba: We are always seeking to publish cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of library service innovation. As such, we are particularly interested in manuscripts that utilize emerging technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing, to enhance library services. In addition, we are committed to providing a global perspective on library service innovation and welcome manuscripts that provide insights and advancements from the Global South.
What advice do you have for researchers seeking to publish academic research in this field of research?
Dr. Lamba: Here are some tips that may be helpful for researchers seeking to publish their work in IJLIS:
- Start with a clear research question: Before starting your research, make sure you have a clear and well-defined research question that addresses a specific gap or problem in the field of library and information services. This will help you to focus your research and ensure that your findings are relevant and impactful.
- Conduct a thorough literature review: Make sure to conduct a thorough literature review of existing research in your area of interest. This will help you to identify gaps in the literature, build on existing knowledge, and situate your research within the broader context of the field.
- Follow the submission guidelines: When submitting your manuscript to a journal, make sure to carefully follow the submission guidelines provided by the journal. This will help to ensure that your manuscript meets the requirements for publication and makes the review process smoother for the editorial team.
- Seek feedback from peers and mentors: Before submitting your manuscript, seek feedback from peers and mentors in the field. This will help you to refine your research and ensure that your findings are robust and well-supported.
- Be persistent: Publishing academic research can be a challenging and competitive process. It's important to be persistent, stay positive, and continue to refine and improve your work based on feedback from reviewers and editors.