Abstract:

The journal publishing landscape is undergoing rapid change with economic pressures, spiralling journal prices, technological developments, and information overload a familiar picture to the players involved. Traditional academic journals, especially those based on the subscription model, are under increasing pressure and various alternative models have been suggested. Recently the Institute of Physics has combined with the German Physical Society (Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft) to launch New Journal of Physics (www.njp.org), an innovative, on-line journal. This paper will describe why IOP and DPG were attracted to start a new, all-electronic, general physics journal available free to all via the internet and funded by an article charge on authors. The main features of NJP will be outlined together with the early experiences. Key challenges for the future will be examined.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article