Scientific Publishing, Overview

Types of Scientific Publications

Among the common types of scientific publication are books, refereed journal articles, conference proceedings, published letters, and, in some fields, self-posting in electronic prepublication article sites, “collaboratories,” or institutional repositories. The refereed journal article has long been considered the chief vehicle for distribution of research findings.

Rapid dissemination of research findings is vital to the progress of science. The publication of book-length monographs is a less common way to disseminate the results of research findings than shorter communications; journal articles generally reach print more quickly, and they are more universally subject to rigorous peer review, making them more immediately credible. Although writing a monograph explaining science to a broad audience may be widely appreciated in the nonscientific world, it is rarely rewarded with the same scholarly esteem accorded a refereed journal article, and it may even be detrimental to an individual scientist's career if perceived as “merely” a popularization.

Publication of research findings in a scientific journal (periodical), following the established practice of refereeing (using other scientists in the same field, or “peers,” to assess the accuracy and value of the submission in determining its suitability for publication) is considered the most respected means of communicating science. Quality of individual scientific periodicals is determined by the perceived quality of its editorial board and referees and the degree to which articles in other scientific publications refer to its articles. Scientific findings may also be presented as conference papers, revised, and then published. Often the conference publication is considered a less formal precursor to the refereed journal article and may convey only preliminary or abbreviated findings; therefore, [Page 764]conference papers do not have the same “weight” as formal journal articles.

The use of “letters” (or short reports of results) in science communication predates the development of the scientific periodical but continues in several forms today. Initially, individual scientists used letters to communicate their findings to each other. As early as the 16th century, scientists printed multiple copies of important letters to distribute among their fellow scholars. Letters continue to be used as a form for rapid communication of scientific findings. In some fields, such as physics and organic chemistry, there are established “letters journals” that specialize in rapid publication. More recently, scientists have adopted e-mail templates and mailing lists especially created for rapid dissemination of scientific letters among scientists.

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