WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT, 9 FEBRUARY – A new report released by Shore Communications Inc. reveals how scholarly peer-reviewed journal publishers have been wrestling with ways to survive and thrive in a market that facilitates and encourages the free exchange of electronic content when their traditional business models are heavily reliant on print-based pricing and distribution. The report examines the key drivers and market attributes for open access journal publishing and detailed profiles of six major publishers of open access journals: BioMed Central, the Public Library of Science, The Scientific World, the Public Knowledge Project, The Berkeley Electronic Press and The Company of Biologists.

“So far most established scholarly journal publishers have chosen to view open access as a threat,” said report author Christine Lamb, a Senior Analyst for Shore. “Open access is viewed by these publishers as one of many major market factors inducing change to their businesses, including reduced library budgets, continuing declines in circulation and new digital publishing technologies. To respond to any of these perceived threats, publishers need new strategies for both print and electronic publishing that respond to the opportunities afforded by open access models.”

The 28-page report, entitled “Open Access Publishing Models: Opportunity or Threat to Scholarly and Academic Publishers”, covers the evolution of open access models, key market drivers, market size, key business models, cost structures, funding agencies, strategies to apply in response to open access models, the likely future of open publishing and key vendor profiles. Further details on the report and its purchasing options may be found at the following Internet Web address:

http://www.shore.com/research/current/reports/SCI200401.html

ABOUT SHORE

Shore Communications Inc. is a leading research and advisory service focusing on organizations that develop, purchase and use professionally-oriented content and the technologies that facilitate its use in individual and collaborative environments. Shore focuses on the complex interplay between content, technology and people that creates value for organizations and individuals in today's marketplace. Shore’s research, commentary, private consulting and confidential advisory services provide valuable insights into the products, practices and behaviors that maximize the value of content and related technologies through all stages of its creation, organization, marketing, deployment and use.

The press may contact Christine Lamb via phone at 978.287.4180, clamb@shore.com

For more information about Shore and report purchases, please contact John Blossom at 203.226.9488, jblossom@shore.com, or visit http://shore.com/us/resources/press/

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