Summary: A formal graphical model of the scientific communication process is presented in this paper. The purpose of the model is to act as a roadmap for policy discussions and research concerning the process. In comparison to earlier models found in the literature this model is more detailed, hierarchical and includes more modelling constructs (activities, inputs, outputs, controls, mechanisms). The modelling methodology used is IDEF0, a process modelling method, which previously has mainly been used for business process reengineering in the manufacturing industries.
The scope of the model is the whole communication value chain, from initial research to the assimilation of research results to improve every-day life. The model treats both informal and formal communication, as well as the publishing of data, but the major focus is on modelling the publishing and indexing of traditional peer reviewed journal articles, as well as the activities of readers to find out about them and access them. The new business models and parallel functions enabled by the Internet, such as open access journals and e-print repositories, are also in focus.
The current version of the model consists of 33 diagrams, with 113 different activities and over 200 different inputs, outputs, controls and mechanisms.
Update (1/19/07). The published edition of this article is now online.
Update (1/22/07). Also see Bo-Christer's site on The Scientific Communication Life-Cycle model. It not only contains his diagrams on this model in reusable PowerPoint form (under CC licenses), but also serves as a central point of reference for new developments and research on the model.
Posted by
Peter Suber at 11/21/2006 11:35:00 AM.
The open access movement:
Putting peer-reviewed scientific and scholarly literature
on the internet. Making it available free of charge and
free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.
Removing the barriers to serious research.
I recommend the OA tracking project (OATP) as the best way to stay on top of new OA developments. You can read the OATP feed on a blog-like web page or subscribe to it by RSS, email, or Twitter. You can also help build the feed by tagging new developments you encounter.
