Postcard,Letter,or E-Mail? What's the Best Way to Obtain a Reprint?

Abstract

This article compares the response rates and the average response times for three methods of obtaining journal reprints from colleagues. In the first study, requests for reprints were sent by postcard, letter, or a letter enclosing additional material for the reprint author. The response rates (approximately 66 percent) and the average times to reply did not differ significantly. In the second study, requests for reprints were sent by postcards or by electronic mail. The response rate was approximately 75 percent for both forms of request, but replies were received somewhat faster to electronic mail requests.