More than 50 % of academic libraries' budgets are spent on peer review journal subscriptions [1]. One may wonder why these publications (often) with plain and dull covers (unlike those attractive, colorful magazines on newsstands), small subscription base and specialized readership carry such importance. The reason is simple.
Publishing a journal for interested researchers, academics, and practitioners benefits the advancement of knowledge. To be recognized as an academic subject, a discipline must publish a peer review journal. Unlike magazines with short shelf lives for general reading, peer review journals are archived and referenced within a discipline. These journals serve as a forum for professional intellectual exchange, and as a platform to present cutting edge research. Peer review (refereed) journals give direction to the field and industry. They also help researchers strengthen their academic careers and seek research funding. This article will review basic definitions of peer review and then discuss in detail issues and concerns that emerged in the editing of this issue.
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