[Paper Review] Electronic Mathematics Journals

Mark Steinberger|arXiv (Cornell University)|Aug 26, 1997

Mathematics, Computing, and Information Processing3 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper examines the emergence of electronic mathematics journals, focusing on the launch of the New York Journal of Mathematics as the first fully electronic general mathematics journal. It analyzes the technological, economic, and scholarly implications of electronic publishing, advocating for open access and sustainable models in mathematical communication.

ABSTRACT

In the Forum section of the November, 1993 Notices of the American Mathematical Society, John Franks discussed the electronic journal of the future. Since then, the New York Journal of Mathematics, the first electronic general mathematics journal, has begun publication. In this article, we explore the issues of electronic journal publishing in the context of this new project. We also discuss future developments.

Motivation & Objective

• To analyze the transition from print to electronic publishing in mathematics journals.
• To examine the challenges and opportunities associated with launching the first fully electronic general mathematics journal.
• To assess the impact of electronic journals on access, dissemination, and sustainability in mathematical research.
• To advocate for open access and community-driven models in electronic scholarly publishing.
• To explore future developments in digital mathematics communication and infrastructure.

Proposed method

• Conducts a critical review of the state of electronic publishing in mathematics as of 1997.
• Analyzes the New York Journal of Mathematics as a case study of a fully electronic, peer-reviewed journal.
• Evaluates the technical and institutional infrastructure required for electronic journal operations.
• Compares electronic publishing models with traditional print models in terms of cost, access, and peer review.
• Discusses the role of institutional support and funding in enabling electronic journal sustainability.
• Uses the Notices of the American Mathematical Society as a forum for scholarly discourse on electronic publishing trends.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What are the key challenges and benefits of transitioning from print to electronic publishing in mathematics?
• RQ2 How can electronic journals ensure long-term sustainability and academic rigor?
• RQ3 What role should institutions and professional societies play in supporting electronic mathematics journals?
• RQ4 How does electronic publishing affect access to mathematical research, especially for underfunded institutions?
• RQ5 What future developments are necessary to support a fully digital scholarly communication ecosystem in mathematics?

Key findings

• The New York Journal of Mathematics became the first fully electronic general mathematics journal, marking a milestone in digital scholarly publishing.
• Electronic journals offer significant cost advantages over print journals, reducing distribution and printing expenses.
• Open access models enabled by electronic publishing can increase global access to mathematical research.
• The success of electronic journals depends on institutional support, reliable digital archiving, and sustainable funding models.
• Peer review processes in electronic journals can be maintained or improved with proper digital infrastructure.
• The shift to electronic publishing necessitates new standards for citation, indexing, and long-term preservation of mathematical literature.