[Web4lib] Search for new JASIS&T Editor

[Richard Hill]

After an distinguished and unprecedented term (1985 to present) as Editor of _The Journal 
of the American Society for Information Science and Technology_, Don Kraft will be 
stepping down once a replacement is selected and ready to serve.  Below is a position 
description and information on the application procedure..

Position Description, Editor-in-Chief 

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST)

Nature of Position: The Editor’s foremost responsibility is to ensure the high quality and 
quantity of papers published in JASIST.  Working in collaboration with the Editorial 
Board, the Editor’s additional responsibility is to set the vision and scope for the Journal 
in a manner consistent with those of the Society.  The Editor solicits high quality papers 
that fit the scope of JASIST, and oversees the activities of the Associate Editors, Guest 
Editors, and Editorial Board to ensure that submitted papers are peer reviewed by 
appropriately qualified persons.  The Editor ensures prompt communication with authors 
to accept or reject manuscripts or to request revisions in response to referees’ reports.  
The Editor, in consultation with the Society, appoints and renews Editorial Board 
members for an agreed term ensuring that the Board’s composition is sufficiently 
international and broad in scope to maintain JASIST’s stature worldwide within its field.   
The Editor communicates at least annually with the Editorial Board concerning the 
development of the Journal, editorial strategy, submissions and promotion.  The Editor 
assists the Publisher in promoting JASIST by advising on publicity, and promoting 
JASIST wherever possible through contacts and at conferences attended.  The Editor is 
responsible for the intellectual workflow (e.g., using the electronic manuscript system, 
sequencing papers in issues, etc.) and ensuring that the instructions to authors are 
followed (e.g., that papers are original and have not been published elsewhere; that 
papers are not defamatory or otherwise unlawful, and that appropriate illustrations and 
tabular matter, permissions, and assignments of copyright are included).  The Editor 
receives some support for editorial assistance from the Publisher.

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS

a)	Education:  Graduate degree. 

b)	Skills Required:  The Editor must be a leader who has strong motivational, 
interpersonal, and communication skills.  He or she must be highly motivated to 
publish a successful journal and must recognize the broad scope of information 
science and technology.  A global perspective, flexibility, and diplomatic skills are 
required to encourage diverse and creative contributions and to arbitrate controversial 
issues and points of views.   Knowledge of electronic communications and 
manuscript management systems is essential.  The Editor must be familiar with 
electronic publishing trends, issues of originality and reuse, open access points of 
view and publishing economics.  In additional to oversight abilities, the Editor must 
be willing and able to delegate responsibilities.

c)	Term: The term for this position is five years.  A limit of two terms is imposed. 

d)	Relevant Experience: Substantial knowledge of JASIST and the field of information 
science and technology and a strong record of scholarly publication. Prior editorship 
experience and/or editorial board experience with a comparable scholarly, technical, 
or scientific (refereed) journal is highly preferred.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be considered beginning on March 1, 2008 and until the position is 
filled.  Send applications to:

JASIST Editor Search Committee
c/o Richard Hill
ASIS&T  
1320 Fenwick Lane, Suite 510  
Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

The application package should include but not be limited to, the following:

*	Applicant’s vision of information science: the directions it should take; its hot, warm, 
and cold areas;
*	Applicant’s publishing & editorial experience;
*	Reasons why the applicant is specially qualified as Editor-in-Chief of this 
publication;
*	Applicant’s view on current issues and strategies with the publication: backlog, 
special issues, etc.;
*	Applicant’s ideas on ways to improve the readability of the publication: special 
initiatives, survey articles, etc.;
*	Applicant’s ideas on methods to shorten reviewing time and strengthen the review 
process;
*	Experience with electronic manuscript management systems;
*	Applicant’s vision of JASIST as an international journal;
*	Applicant’s vision of JASIST Editorial Board structure and function;
*	Applicant’s understanding of ASIS&T, and conception of the relationship of the 
Journal to ASIS&T members;
*	Other plans for improvement.

The applicant must also provide a detailed resume, listing all past and present affiliations, 
editorial positions held, and activities in professional societies and technical conferences. 
Further, the applicant should provide a complete list of publications, honors and awards 
received, and other information deemed relevant to the Editor-in-Chief position.

_____



Executive Director
American Society for Information Science and Technology
1320 Fenwick Lane, Suite 510
Silver Spring, MD  20910
FAX: (301) 495-0810
(301) 495-0900