13 November 2024
In an era of rapid transformation in scholarly communication, learned society publishers face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Research Consulting, in partnership with CCC (Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.), has announced the launch of a comprehensive international survey to understand how learned societies are adapting to this changing landscape.
Why This Survey Matters
Recent research by Rob Johnson and Elle Malcolmson of Research Consulting has highlighted a concerning trend: a rapid decline in self-publishing societies in the UK. But how does this reflect the global picture? What challenges are societies facing internationally? And most importantly, how can learned societies be best supported in navigating these changes?
This survey aims to answer these crucial questions by creating an international evidence base that will benefit the society publishing community and those who support them. We’re particularly focused on understanding how societies are responding to key challenges including:
- Relationships with commercial publishers
- The impact of artificial intelligence
- Research integrity concerns
- Leveraging data and analytics
- The ongoing transition to open access
Who Should Participate?
We’re seeking responses from learned society publishers across all disciplines, in any language, and from all corners of the globe. The survey is open to societies publishing scholarly content in their own right and those who publish with a partner.
We’re seeking one response on behalf of each society publisher, so if you’re in a large society, please coordinate with your colleagues before submitting a response. The survey assumes in-depth knowledge of a society’s publishing activity and strategy and is designed to be completed by individuals in leadership positions, such as:
- Vice Presidents or Director of Publishing
- Directors of Publishing Operations
- Heads of Editorial or Managing Editors
- Other senior publishing professionals
The Benefits of Contributing
By participating in this survey, you will:
- Help create a crucial evidence base to support decision-making across the society publishing community.
- Gain access to an exclusive virtual event to discuss the findings in spring 2025.
- Contribute to shaping the future of society publishing.
- Connect with peers facing similar challenges.
How to Participate
The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. We’ve made participation as flexible as possible so you can:
- Complete the survey online
- Download a Word version for offline completion in conjunction with colleagues
- Save and return to your responses at any time
To submit an offline response, please contact frances.palmer@research-consulting.com.
A Collaborative Effort
This initiative has been developed with input from multiple members of the society publishing community whose assistance is gratefully acknowledged. Their insights have been invaluable in ensuring the survey addresses the most pressing issues facing learned society publishers today.
We invite you to join this important conversation and help shape the future of learned society publishing. Your participation will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead, enabling more informed decision-making across the sector.
The survey will be open until Friday 24 January 2025, and the results will be shared with the publishing community through a white paper and industry conferences including UKSG in spring and summer 2025.
Ready to contribute?
Click here to participate in the survey
Grow the good. With every completed survey received, one tree will be planted.
CCC is committed to sustainable practices focusing on advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at sdgs.un.org/goals and onetreeplanted.org.
Back to the newsletter