Some ways in which electronic publishing
can aid the distribution of scientific information
Electronic publishing provides very high global visibility
so that scientists are assured of maximum recognition of their research;
Visibility allows authors to form partnerships for
future research programmes, and collaborate internationally for grant applications;
Electronic publication can lead to substantial savings
in printing and distribution costs;
Authors benefit from rapid publication, since electronic
refereeing can speed the process and publication can be immediate, following
acceptance;
Scientific papers published electronically can incorporate text, images,
video and sound clips as well as secondary data too extensive for printed
publication;
They can be formatted (using XML) to allow future manipulation of documents
for many scholarly purposes
They can be archived in institutional e-print archives, providing open
access to the international scientific community;
They can be interactive and add scientific value by providing links from
within documents to international public domain databases (such as genetic
sequences, enzymes, microbial resource centres, international regulations);
Electronic journals can be associated with other online services (such
as subject-related newsletters, conference reports, email links to researchers),
creating a portal for scientists with common interests.
E-publishing can lead to benefits from Open Access developments that
provide major opportunities for the impact of research
and international co-operation.