Impact of transition of medical journals from print to online-only on their scholarly performance

Priyanka Singla (), Siny Tsang, Michael Mazzeffi, Lucy Carr Jones, Andrea H. Denton and Nabil Elkassabany
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Priyanka Singla: University of Virginia
Siny Tsang: University of Virginia
Michael Mazzeffi: University of Virginia
Lucy Carr Jones: Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia
Andrea H. Denton: Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia
Nabil Elkassabany: University of Virginia

Scientometrics, 2024, vol. 129, issue 5, No 16, 2855-2866

Abstract: Abstract Many scientific journals have made the transition from print and online to online-only publication. The printed version offers something tangible that carries the distinct brand of the journal and/or the society it represents. Journals’ transition to electronic-only publication may reduce the environmental impact of publication and its cost (Wymbs S (2020). To print or not to print: 4 things societies should consider before moving members online only. Elsevier Connect, 11 Nov. https://www.elsevier.com/connect/4-things-to-weigh-before-moving-a-journal-from-print-to-online-only . Accessed 17 Sept 2023). This study aimed to examine the effect of this transition on the journals’ scholarly impact. We hypothesized that online-only publication would positively impact journals’ publication metrics. Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory (Ulrichsweb.com (TM) (n.d.) ProQuest LLC. http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com/ . Accessed 8 June 2023) was searched for U.S.-based peer-reviewed journals in the Medicine and Health Subject Area that ceased print publication between 2002 and 2020 while continuing to publish in electronic form, and were noted as included in Journal Citation Reports (JCR—Clarivate) (Journal Citations Reports JCR (2023) Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/ . Accessed 8 June 2023). Journal titles were then cross-referenced in JCR (Journal Citations Reports JCR. (2023) Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/ . Accessed 8 June 2023) for data on the total number of citations, the number of citable items, the Journal Impact Factor (JIF), the JIF without self cites, and the Immediacy Index (Journal Citations Reports JCR (2023). Clarivate, 30 May. https://clarivate.com/products/scientific-and-academic-research/research-analytics-evaluation-and-management-solutions/journal-citation-reports/ . Accessed 8 June 2023). Publication data was extracted from 94 journals. However, 84 journals were included in analysis as print cessation data was not available for 10 journals. There was a slower rate of increase in the total number of citations and decrease in number of citable items with the transition of journals from print and online to online-only distribution. There was faster increase in JIF and Immediacy Index after journals transitioned to online-only publication. A positive impact on citation patterns, such as JIF and Immediacy Index, of online-only publication supports the benefits of transitioning medical journals from print and online to online-only publication.

Keywords: Print; Online; Medical journals; Impact factor; Immediacy index (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-024-04998-1

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