Management models of scholarly journals: a discussion needed

Abstract

The possibility of publishing the journal in electronic and open access with the support of information technologies and communication technologies (ICTs) has brought about substantial changes in the process of scientific communication. One aspect still little discussed in this new configuration with respect to business models of journals, to where both issues of cost of production and quality assurance of content. Both dimensions put in focus the sustainability of open access electronic journal, which is the subject of this article. The starting point incorporates a discussion about the birth and death of Brazilian scientific journals, and how it reconfigures in the light of changes underway in the scientific communication model. Classical models of management, is the description of a broad portfolio of alternatives available today, which prompts a reflection on their sustainability. The article concludes with notes on the importance of placing this issue on the agenda of public policies on science and technology and information in Brazil, and more specifically on the agenda of priorities for public health research. Keywords management models; eletronic journals; open access; scholarly communication; sustainability.