Scholarly and professional journals in the digital environment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence, comment and speculation as to the future role and shape of professional and scholarly journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is evidence‐based with forecasts; employing deep log analysis evidence to obtain use and information use and seeking behaviour of journal users.

Findings

It is found that scholarly and professional journals are doing extremely well as a result of the digital transition but they will have to adapt to the behaviour of the new digital consumer, especially the Google generation.

Research limitations/implications

There is a pressing need to monitor and evaluate change in journal use patterns because of the introduction of new mobile and digital reading devices.

Practical implications

Advice is provided on journal and web site design.

Social implications

Extending a journal's reach is discussed.

Originality/value

The paper considers the future role and shape of the journal on the basis of information seeking behaviour obtained from transactional log analysis.

Citation

Nicholas, D. (2010), "Scholarly and professional journals in the digital environment", Records Management Journal, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 291-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691011095319