Related Experiment Videos
Publishing biomedical journals on the World-Wide Web using an open architecture model
1Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology, Boston, USA.
Summary
Biomedical journals can overcome economic and technical hurdles to publish online. This study details a flexible, open-architecture approach for successful web-based journal distribution.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical publishing
- Digital dissemination
- Scientific communication
Background:
- Biomedical publications are well-suited for online distribution via the World-Wide Web.
- Economic challenges have historically hindered the widespread adoption of online publishing models for journals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To share experiences assisting biomedical journals in establishing an online presence.
- To identify encountered issues and present methods for addressing them.
- To introduce an open architecture approach promoting resource adaptation and interconnection.
Main Methods:
- Collaboration with publishers, including the New England Journal of Medicine.
- Utilization of a suite of tools and protocols.
- Development of a scalable and customizable online publishing solution.
Main Results:
- The New England Journal of Medicine successfully published its first World-Wide Web issue in March 1996.
- The developed model was generalized through collaborations with additional publishers.
Conclusions:
- Economic factors significantly influence the development of online publishing solutions for biomedical journals.
- Technical considerations are crucial for implementing successful World-Wide Web publishing strategies.