JASIST Editor
Position Description: Editor
Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST)
Nature of Position: The Editor’s foremost responsibility is to ensure the high quality and quantity of papers published in JASIST. The Editor solicits papers from appropriate individuals that fit the scope of JASIST, oversees the activities of the Associate Editors, Guest Editors, and Editorial Board to ensure that submitted papers are peer reviewed by appropriately qualified and experienced persons, and communicates promptly with authors to accept or reject manuscripts or to request revision in response to referees’ reports. The Editor, in consultation with the Society, appoints and renews Editorial Board members for an agreed term to ensure that the Board’s composition is sufficiently international and broad in scope to maintain JASIST worldwide within its field, and communicates regularly (at least annually) with the Editorial Board concerning the development of the Journal, editorial strategy, submissions and promotion. The Editor assists the Publishers in promoting JASIST by advising on publicity and promoting the JASIST wherever possible through contacts and at conferences attended. The Editor is responsible for the intellectual workflow (e.g., using the electronic manuscript system, sequencing papers in issues) and insuring that the instructions to authors are followed (e.g., that copy is original, and has not been published elsewhere; that copy is not defamatory or otherwise unlawful, and that appropriate illustrations and tabular matter, permissions, and assignments of copyright are included).
BACKGROUND REQUIREMENT OF INCUMBENT
a) Education: Graduate Degree.
b) Skills Required: The Editor must be a leader who has strong motivational, interpersonal, and communication skills. He or she must be highly motivated to publish a successful journal and recognize the broad scope of information science. A global perspective, flexibility, and diplomacy skills are required to encourage diverse and creative contributions and to arbitrate controversial issues and points of views. Knowledge of electronic communications and electronic manuscript management systems is essential. The Editor must be familiar with electronic publishing trends, issues of originality and reuse, and Open Access points of view and publishing economics. In additional to oversight abilities, the Editor must be willing and able to delegate.
c) Term: The term for this position is five years. A limit of two terms is imposed.
d) Relevant Experience: Substantial knowledge of JASIST and the field of information science. A record of scholarly publication. Prior editorship experience and/or editorial board experience with a comparable scholarly, technical, or scientific (refereed) journal is highly preferred.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications will be considered beginning on May 1, 2015 and until the position is filled. The recruitment and recommendation committee will consider applications beginning on July 1, 2015. A committee consisting of Donald Case, Kristin Eschenfelder, Gary Marchionini (Chair), Carole Palmer, and Ian Ruthven will review the applications and make a recommendation to the ASIST Board of Directors. Send inquiries and applications to (via email):
JASIST Editor Search Committee
c/o Richard Hill
rhill@asist.org
ASIS&T
1320 Fenwick Lane, Suite 510
Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
The application package should include:
A plan or vision statement that details the prospective course of action that the applicant projects to take to ensure that JASIST is a leading, influential voice in information science. It should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Your publishing & editorial experience;
- Reasons why you would be specially qualified as EIC of this publication
- Your vision for information science: the directions it should take; its hot, warm, and cold areas;
- Your vision of the JASIST editorial board structure and function;
- Your experience with electronic manuscript management systems;
- Your understanding of ASIST, and your conception of the relationship of the journal to the members;
- Possible strategies for increasing JASIST submissions from adjoining fields;
- Possible weaknesses of JASIST and strategies for improving it: special sections, special issues, survey articles, special initiatives, etc.
- Methods to maintain rapid reviewing and response times;
- Other plans for improvement.
Each applicant must also provide a detailed resume, listing all past and present affiliations, editorial positions held, and activities in professional societies and technical conferences. Further, each applicant should provide a complete list of publications, honors and awards received, and other information deemed relevant to the Editor position.