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Your Suggestions on Reforming scientific publishing
by Subbiah Arunachalam 22 Feb '24

22 Feb '24

- Friends, The International Science Council would like you to have your say on the future of scientific publishing (or scholarly communication). 1. Key principles of scientific publishing (or scholarly communication) 2. The case of reform of scientific publishing Two new papers have been released on *The Key Principles of Scientific Publishing and The Case for Reform of Scientific Publishing*. Read our news item and contribute to the dialogue. <https://council.science/current/blog/reforming-scientific-publishing/?utm_s…> Please see https://council.science/current/blog/reforming-scientific-publishing/. Please share this mail with the faculty, students and other researchers in your campus. Everyone's views will be given serious consideration. With warm regards, Subbiah Arunachalam http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4398-4658 http://www.researcherid.com/rid/B-9925-2009

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Webinar: AI for Information Access: How Do We Do It Responsibly? on March 20, at 11:00 AM EST
by Sourav Debnath 21 Feb '24

21 Feb '24

Please join us for the joint webinar* by ASIS&T SIG-III, SIG-AI, and South Asia Chapter on March 20, at 11:00 AM EST* *AI for Information Access: How Do We Do It Responsibly?* Register here <https://www2.asist.org/ap/Events/Register/zLEj44Nr> https://www2.asist.org/ap/Events/Register/zLEj44Nr *Webinar Description* Over the last several years, AI-driven informational systems have proliferated around us. The pace at which AI is getting integrated in search, recommendation, and decision-support systems has quickened recently. Many of these are built on hopes and hypes of what AI could deliver, but it is not always clear when or if a real value to individuals and society is provided that justifies the risks we take in building and delivering such solutions. These systems are often mired in bias and unfairness (to individuals or groups), lack transparency and accountability, and provide information that are fabricated and even toxic. We are at a crossroad where we have important choices to make that will impact many aspects of our lives in profound ways. Can we overcome the challenges posed by applying AI solutions and leverage their potential for all of us? Can we mitigate risks and harms enough to bring the reward-to-risk ratio high enough for various areas like education, healthcare, and information access? Can we do this right? Providing examples of accessibility, education, healthcare, and policy. We will learn about the need for advancements not just at technical levels, but also at policy, societal, and even philosophical levels. The speaker also will bring forth some of these recent opportunities and challenges with AI to highlight where and why we are seeing the issues that hinder us from getting real benefits of AI at the societal level. *Presenter* Dr Chirag Shah <https://ischool.uw.edu/people/faculty/profile/chirags>, Professor of Information and Computer Science, University of Washington (UW), USA. Best regards, Sourav

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Research Survey Questionnaire
by Dr.Dattatraya Kalbande 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Dear Professional Colleagues, I am currently conducting a research survey on "Librarians’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Academic Libraries in India: A Case Study." I kindly request a few moments of your valuable time to complete this survey. Your input is invaluable and will contribute significantly to advancing our understanding in this field. Please rest assured that all information provided will be utilized solely for research purposes, and your personal details will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, never to be disclosed publicly. Thank you for your cooperation and support. Please click on the following link to complete the survey. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdceWzIUtKoJQh6N83RVirak53_uvr77sl… Warm regards, Dr. Dattatraya Kalbande Librarian J. Watumull Sadhubella Girls College Ulhasnagar, Dist. Thane (Maharashtra) Contact Detail:- 9403773528 *P**lease SAVE PAPER & HELP THE WORLD GO GREEN* *Please don't print this email unless absolutely necessary.* *If necessary print it in a booklet format on both sides.*

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Our feedback on your Koha ILMS cloud hosting tender requirements
by Atanu Garai 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Hi LIS Community, We would like to share our feedback on the tendering requirements that Librarians are making for Koha cloud hosting for your consideration for the next tender. We welcome your feedback on this. I will take a moment to introduce SocialWell. We are a data + content startup recognized by Odisha Startup and Microsoft Startup programs. We are supporting libraries in Koha cloud hosting as part of our digital content strategy. We have designed, developed, and implemented two large-scale, multi-lingual, and multi-content digital libraries at global and national scale - Globethics Library (https://globethics.net) and Mekong School Digital Library (https://library.mekongschool.org) We are in the process of implementing of a national digital library in an East African country. Koha Cloud Hosting tender requirements 1. Tenders require the agency to be based in the institution's state - This is not required. If you have implemented any ILMS, it's trivial to get the data and import in Koha. Should be accomplished within 3 days. 2. Tenders require the agency to have implemented Koha cloud hosting for the same university: This clause is not required. There is no technical challenges and expertise required in Koha cloud hosting that you would need a validation from your own university. 3. Tender require Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 EMD: We literally charge Rs. 10,000 per year for the cloud hosting, as we charge only what our cloud provider charges us. If the contract value itself is Rs. 10,000, how can we justify giving an EMD of Rs. 10,000? 4. Entire process takes 2 months to close: Now that you know the contract value, the process should be digitized requiring no paper trail and your selection of the agency can be completed in one week and deployment in another 1 week. Why we are doing this 1. We want to bring innovations in the library space that would lead to at least 5X usage of your resources. 2. In the short term, the UI for Koha is not at all user friendly. We want to revamp that UI and make the UI open source. We don't want to create a project unless we have around 20 libraries using our services. 2. Unjustifiable tender clauses are preventing us to submit applications. We look forward to hearing your feedback. Best regards, Atanu Atanu Garai SocialWell w: www.socialwell.net<http://www.socialwell.net/>

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Fwd: Let's discuss: A History of Peer Review and Global Preprints Landscape
by Subbiah Arunachalam 17 Feb '24

17 Feb '24

Friends, If you know of some bright young postdoctoral/senior doctoral students whose interests go beyond their own research but includes improving the way science advances collectively, please recommend them to talk to ASAPbio. They could apply for the position of ASAPbio Fellows, a kind of ambassador in their nation/region. There are some Fellows in India already. You might also wish to listen to Prof. Ludo Waltman, Director, CWTS, Leiden, who will be talking about preprints and post peer review. With warm regards, Subbiah Arunachalam ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: ASAPbio <anna.drangowskaway(a)asapbio.org> Date: Fri, Feb 16, 2024 at 8:47 PM Subject: Let's discuss: A History of Peer Review and Global Preprints Landscape To: <subbiah.arunachalam(a)gmail.com> Plus apply for the Executive Director position or join as as an ASAPbio Fellow! ASAPbio newsletter February 2024 *Lunch & Learn, Hiring Executive Director, Community Call, Fellows Program, Copenhagen Local Hub & more!* Lunch & Learn: History of Peer Review Join us for our first lunch & learn session, where we will cover a brief history of peer review! These sessions will run every other month and will be short 30-minute calls dedicated to a specific topic of interest to the community. Open to all members of the ASAPbio community. *February 21, 2024, 9am PST / noon EST / 5pm GMT* Sign up! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> *Become a preprint advocate: apply now to be a 2024 ASAPbio Fellow* To support the members of our community who want to deepen their engagement with preprints, we have hosted the ASAPbio Fellows program <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> since 2020. *We are now thrilled to open applications for the fifth cohort of the program. * If you are new to preprints and want to learn more about their use or have you been using preprints for a while and now want to engage others, our Fellows program is for you! This year, there will be two tracks to the program, which will run from April – to August/November 2024. *Culture & Community track* The primary activities of the Fellows program occur as part of the culture and community track. This culminates in Fellows delivering a local talk about preprints. This track runs April-August 2024. *Project work* An additional and optional track in the Fellows program where you work in collaboration with other Fellows to help develop an ASAPbio strategic initiative. This track runs June-November 2024. *Recently, our 2023 Fellow, Ioannis Tsagakis, has written a piece <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…>about his experience as a Fellow. Read it <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> and learn firsthand what you can expect from the ASAPbio Fellows Program!* The program is now *open for applications until 18 March 2024*. Apply! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> Executive Director of ASAPbio (deadline Feb 19) The ASAPbio team is working to make scholarly communication in the life sciences more open and efficient by catalyzing cultural change in scholarly communication, for instance around the use of preprints and other interim research products, transparent review, and other innovations! *We are hiring the Executive Director* to lead ASAPbio's mission. If you are enthusiastic about preprints and Open Science, check out our job opening! Learn more and apply! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> Empower your research with preprints - Presentation of ASAPbio Copenhagen Local Hub If you are in Copenhagen on February 20, 2024, join ASAPbio Copenhagen Local Hub for their first event! Sign up for the event! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> *Preprints across the globe; landscapes, perceptions and challenges with Ludo Waltman* At our next Community call, on 19 March 2024, we will discuss the globalization of preprints. The adoption of preprints varies greatly across geographical regions, with many of the efforts to drive adoption originating from the US and Western EU. However, this approach often neglects the opinions and needs of others. In this community call we will hear from Ludo Waltman about the perceptions of preprints across different regions and discuss how to better approach the uptake of preprints with a global mindset. Speakers: Ludo Waltman, Leiden University. *19 March 2024 at noon EST/9am PST/5pm GMT/6pm CET* Sign up for the event! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> Laying the foundation for preprints at EMBL – an interview with Victoria Yan Victoria Yan started her preprint advocate journey as the Project Coordinator for ASAPbio’s ReimagineReview. She is now an Open Science Research Information Specialist at EMBL in Heidelberg, Germany. In the following interview, *we discuss how EMBL is promoting the use of recognition of preprints from an institutional perspective.* Read the blog post! <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> News roundup 'Make Publishing More Efficient And Equitable By Supporting A “Publish, Then Review” Model <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…>' Jessica Polka's article for The Federation of American Scientists regarding the benefits of the preprints and public peer review and recommendations for governing bodies to make publishing more equitable. 'Supporting open science at PLOS Biology <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…>' An article that reflects on open science practices in PLOS Biology journal. 'Looking back on four years of Published Peer Review at PLOS <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…>' An analysis of the data from the last four years regarding Published Peer Review History in PLOS journals. Jobs and Opportunities The African Reproducibility Network (AREN) 2024 Training Program <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> is open for applications—the deadline is 23rd February 2024. [image: LinkedIn] <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> [image: Twitter] <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> [image: Website] <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> [image: YouTube] <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> *Copyright © 2024 ASAPbio. Except where noted, content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…>.* You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. *Our mailing address is:* ASAPbio 3739 Balboa St # 1038 San Francisco, California 94121 Add us to your address book <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/vcard?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb9&id=5…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/profile?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb9&id…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://asapbio.us19.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=fe948d7bf102cf569b61a2cb…> . -- Arun http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4398-4658 http://www.researcherid.com/rid/B-9925-2009

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Why can't Indian universities follow the KU model and make new knowledge freely accessibe by all?
by Subbiah Arunachalam 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Friends, Please visit https://lib.ku.edu/kairos-journal. *Why can't leading Indian higher educational institutes, e. g. IISc, IITs, BHU, JNU, DU, follow the example of Kansas Libraries and host journals (and lecture notes, textbooks, etc.) in open access space, making scholarship available worldwide?* *With best wishes,* *Subbiah Arunachalam *

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Big publisher appears to favour quantity ll quality
by Subbiah Arunachalam 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

This news story may be of interest to both researchers and academic librarians. https://retractionwatch.com/2024/02/12/econ-journal-board-quits-en-masse-be… Best. Arun

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Fwd: Are you using OpenStax? Let us know in 1 easy step!
by Subbiah Arunachalam 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

Please spread the word among faculty and Bachelor's and Master's students. Thanks. Arun ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: OpenStax <info(a)openstax.org> Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2024, 10:30 Subject: Are you using OpenStax? Let us know in 1 easy step! To: <subbiah.arunachalam(a)gmail.com> Help us create more free educational resources! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [image: OpenStax] <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/2024-02-13/21dsxh6/2284776695/h/vdAFh9zQ…> We believe education is a public good ------------------------------ As one of the world’s largest publishers of open educational resources, we need your help to keep our momentum going. *To continue creating free resources for you and your students, we need to know what exactly you're using!* If you've decided to use OpenStax in your classroom this spring, please take a minute to fill out our adoption form below. Our future philanthropic funding is based on faculty adoptions and the number of students we impact, so *your response plays a huge role in helping millions of students experience an affordable, engaging education!* Tell us you're using OpenStax! <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/spring-email-4-prospects-adopt/21dsxh9/2…> ------------------------------ *So, how exactly does your adoption update help us create more free textbooks and resources?* ------------------------------ 1 <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/spring-email-4-prospects-adopt/21dsxh9/2…> As part of Rice University, a nonprofit institution, we rely on your updates to help us secure donations and future philanthropic funding. The more we can quantify our impact, the more support we can garner to continue doing what we love. ------------------------------ 2 <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/spring-email-4-prospects-adopt/21dsxh9/2…> By knowing which textbooks and offerings are most utilized, we're able to create more resources based on what is actually being used in classrooms across the globe. C O N N E C T W I T H U S : <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/openstax/21dsxhd/2284776695/h/vdAFh9zQNv…> <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/openstax/21dsxhh/2284776695/h/vdAFh9zQNv…> <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/openstax/21dsxhl/2284776695/h/vdAFh9zQNv…> *Donate to OpenStax today <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/onation-support-openstax-email/21dsxhp/2…>* *Copyright © 2024, All rights reserved.* update subscription preferences <https://www2.openstax.org/openstax-email-preferences?ehash=a8da8385ab7083bf…> Our mailing address is: OpenStax 6100 Main St. MS-375 Houston, Texas 77005 <https://www2.openstax.org/e/218812/2024-02-13/21dsxhs/2284776695/h/vdAFh9zQ…>

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DRTC Colloquium 1 (2023-2025) Title: Navigating UX in Libraries: Crafting User-Centric Experiences for Evolving Patron Needs
by Debanjali Bain 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Documentation Research & Training Centre (DRTC) Indian Statistical Institute 8th Mile, Mysore Road, RVCE Post Bangalore, 560 059 Colloquium 1 (2023-2025) Title: Navigating UX in Libraries: Crafting User-Centric Experiences for Evolving Patron Needs Abstract User experience (UX) is a popular and influential concept in the design and evaluation of library services and spaces. UX in libraries has become a pivotal aspect of shaping engaging and accessible interactions for patrons. Libraries are adapting to meet evolving user needs, leveraging UX principles to enhance discoverability and accessibility of different resources. The colloquium focuses on the critical intersection of User Experience and the contemporary challenges faced by librarians in the transformative age. This presentation delves into the art of enhancing user experiences within libraries, exploring the impact of digital transformations and evolving information-seeking habits. Practical strategies to make libraries more user-centric will be highlighted, ensuring they align seamlessly with the changing needs of patrons in today's dynamic landscape. By navigating through the complexities of UX, librarians can craft experiences that bridge the traditional and the contemporary. With UX knowledge, librarians can be empowered with insights to transform their spaces, services, and digital interfaces. The focus will be on user needs and serving them better through user-centric approaches. Topics and speakers: Introduction: UX for Libraries CH Nishanth Kumar Information Seeking Behavior, IA, and Navigation Jahnavi Sreeram Applied Holistic UX Batsal Patwa Improvement through Interaction Design Racha Singh Case Study and Conclusion Nivashini Kohila T Coordinator: Dr. Biswanath Dutta Date: 13/02/24 Time: 3:30 pm Venue: DRTC Class Room (G-16), ISI Bangalore.

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Academic Publishing Statistics
by Subbiah Arunachalam 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Friends, See "Academic Publishers Statistics" June 21, 2023 by Dimitrije Curcic. https://wordsrated.com/academic-publishing-statistics/#more-7601 Here are some excerpts. The worldwide revenue from academic publishing stands at over $19 billion per year. Out of this figure, over 50% is attributed to 5 major publishing companies – Elsevier, John Wiley & Sons, Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, and SAGE. [These corporations are collectively referred to as the publishing oligarchs] The academic publishing industry has one of the biggest profit margins, sometimes amounting to 40%. Major players in academic publishing generate larger profit margins than some of the most successful tech companies, like Google and Amazon. Elsevier is the biggest academic publishing company in the world, generating over $3.35 in revenue. SAGE, Springer Nature, and John Wiley & Sons all generate over $1.5 billion annually. **** The Indian Government is planning to adopt the *One Nation One Subscription* (ONOS) plan. The implementation has been postponed at least twice. If adopted, it would mean paying unaffordably huge sums to these (and other publishers). It is difficult to believe that the publishers will agree to accept a penny less than what they have been earning from India currently. Indeed, they will ask for much more for two reasons, viz. their journals would become accessible to many times more institutions and individuals than at present, and usually they increase prices of journals/ bundles by 6-10% every year. Argentina attempted a similar programme in 2021. Their pilot programme was restricted to providing access to universities and students but not the lay public. India would do well to join the worldwide movement of community-led open science and promote initiatives such as Green open access, interoperable institutional and global repositories, preprints followed by post public peer review,open access databases, and work closely with non-commercial efforts like the Leiden ranking With warm regards, Subbiah Arunachalam

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