Marcel LaFlamme

In 2023, the American Anthropological Association will undertake a section-driven self-study of its publishing program and engage a consultant to develop scenarios for a more open and accessible portfolio.

#anthropology #LearnedSocieties #ScholarlySocieties #OpenAccess

https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/aaa-publishing-looks-toward-the-murky-future/

AAA Publishing Looks Toward the (Murky) Future - Anthropology News

If the AAA’s publishing program is to move toward a more open and accessible future for both readers and authors, then it is essential to start laying the groundwork while staying attuned to ongoing and rapid change in the world of academic publishing.

Anthropology News
Jan 13, 2023 at 1:49pmWeb
Show threadTimothy ElfenbeinJan 13, 2023
@marcellaflamme Glad to see that these discussions will be happening, although they need to be broader. Recent experience has shown that section leaders & journal editors don't always adequately represent the desires of all members or have the knowledge & vision to look beyond the current publishing regime. If we really want these discussions to be productive, information abt the publishing program (including past & present contracts & financials) need to be shared to the general membership.
Show threadMarcel LaFlammeJan 13, 2023

@timelfen I overall agree, but (reticence to share sensitive info aside) am not sure that the AAA knows how to engage the general membership on this.

Curious if you have thoughts: post everything to the member portal (knowing that most won't get into the weeds)? Town halls and sessions at the annual meeting?

Show threadTimothy ElfenbeinJan 13, 2023

@marcellaflamme There have to be ways for members—who have the desire—to know, in detail, what the publishing program is & has been. Most members won’t be interested, but we don’t know who will be, or who has crucial knowledge of the current scene or ideas for the future.

Some possibilities to address this: 1) post more (if still curated) info on member portal; 2) allow members to request yet more info (so layer of vetting);

Show threadTimothy ElfenbeinJan 13, 2023

@marcellaflamme 3) hold an online town hall to both push info out & gather it from members who aren’t engaged with section discussions; 4) make it easy for sections to run their own town halls.

This is the information asymmetry side of the problem. It’s just as important for the association to clearly spell out how decisions will be made on the direction of the publishing program. Unless members can see how these discussions will actually affect direction, it’s all just for show.

Show threadMarcel LaFlammeJan 13, 2023
@timelfen Will pass this along to the PFC (and I just sent an email about suggestion #4)