Managing a professional library and information science journal in Africa: Issues, innovations and imperatives

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to highlight and discuss issues, innovations and imperatives related to the management of professional library and information science (LIS) journals in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategy adopted was to preface the concerns about the quality of journals from Africa and then synthesize managerial issues that must be resolved to enhance quality. The next approach was to draw up a ten‐step plan of innovative ways to enhance the quality of (LIS) journals in Africa. Finally, the paper discusses eight critical imperatives related to effective management of African LIS journals.

Findings

The major concerns are that the continent's LIS journals are substandard, suffer high mortality and hardly appear regularly. Issues to be addressed to stem this tide of affairs include increased subscription spread, revenue base and the development of scholarly content. The paper argues that African LIS journals will continue to die young if innovative strategies are not injected to rejuvenate them.

Practical implications

The developments in the foreground indicate a better and brighter future for African professional LIS journals. African LIS journal managers must work towards financial independence, introduce or continue the review process, design scholarly content and strive for international competitiveness.

Originality/value

Probably the most comprehensive articulation of the challenges and opportunities facing LIS journal publishing in Africa.

Citation

Omekwu, C.O. (2007), "Managing a professional library and information science journal in Africa: Issues, innovations and imperatives", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 2, pp. 134-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710730321