Abstract
Each year, Elsevier brings about 150 journal editors and Elsevier staff members together for a 2-day “Editors Conference”. Attendees come from around the world and represent a healthy cross-section of the science, technology and medical journals that are published by Elsevier. The purpose of this gathering is to provide a forum for the discussion of current hot topics in journal publishing, and encourage a constructive exchange of information, ideas, and best practices. JALA is fortunate to be aligned with such a progressive publishing partner, and Nan Hallock and I were fortunate to be included in the most recent Editors Conference in Charleston, SC.
As the new executive editor of JALA, learning about Elsevier's past and current market position was an eye-opening experience. This is the company that originally published the work of Galileo! Its distinctive logo, which expresses interdependence in the tree of knowledge, was designed circa 1620! Today, Elsevier employs 7,300 employees in 78 offices in 24 countries, and publishes 1,800 different journal titles and 2,200 new books each year.
In the opening address, Elsevier Vice Chair Youngsuk Chi explained that Elsevier's overarching objective is to contribute to the progress and application of science by delivering superior information products and tools that build insights and enable advancement in research. Its commitment to leadership and innovation is exciting and evident in the strength of its growing menu of electronic resources, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scirus, Author Gateway, and other editorial management systems, e-newsletters and alerts, and historical archives.
JALA's partnership with Elsevier gives ALA access to these important tools and services, which create a solid, future-focused foundation upon which JALA can thrive. It also enables the thought-leaders on the JALA Editorial Board and the ALA Board of Directors to make journal content and education their priorities vs. the nuts and bolts of the business of publishing.
It is very motivating to know that a company of Elsevier's stature recognizes the value of JALA's unique scientific niche and is so well prepared to support it. The Editors Conference is just one more example of how our publishing partner helps keep us current on issues such as the impact of globalization, changing ethical challenges, emerging publishing technologies, and tools for measuring success.
In addition to timely and informative presentations, the conference also offered valuable opportunities for networking with other journal editors and staff. As I'm sure most of you know from your experiences at ALA's LabAutomation conference, much can be gained from informal conversation over a hot cup of coffee or a cold mug of beer. The spirit of camaraderie and cooperation among the individual members of the Elsevier publishing community is impressive and comforting.
As an ALA member, JALA reader, and lab automation professional, the bottom line is that this rich network of resources ultimately benefits you. Our publishing partner, Elsevier, not only helps us get six peer-reviewed issues into print and electronic formats each year, it helps us continue to achieve excellence and proudly represent the importance of our scientific specialty in the annals of published scientific literature.
Sincerely,
