Editorial

Abstract

Dear SAJLlSReaders, It is our pleasure to present SAJLlSVol.69 No 2, the last issue of 2003, with five research articles and three book reviews. There are three items of good news worth sharing with our readers. First, South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science is included in the revised list of journals to be subsidised by the Department of Education (DoE) from 2005, as reflected in the "Policy for Measurement of Research Output of Public Higher Education Institutions" (http://www.education.gov.za). The list consists of 197 South African Journals and the journals indexed by lSI (http://www.isinet.com/isi/journals/index.htm/) and International Bibliography of Social Sciences (http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/IBSS/access/Default.htm). Two additional LIS journals (Mousaion of UNISA and South African Journal of Information Management of RAU) have also been included in the new list. The objective of the policy is "to encourage research productivity by rewarding quality research output at public higher education institutions". Currently, DoE pays R28 500 to Public Higher Education Institutions in South Africa for each article published in the subsidised journals by an affiliated author. Each institution has devised its own way of allocating the money for research promotion and support (e.g. University of Zululand allocates 60% to the author, 15% to the author's department and 25% remains in the central pool). The electronic version of SAJLlShas been compiled by SABINET aswas agreed with L1ASAand can now be accessed electronically through SABINET. In addition, the Representative Council has approved free electronic access to the journal for paid-up L1ASAmembers. Negotiated electronic access to the journal is available to institutions and libraries that subscribe to SABINET information products and services. Thirdly, it is gratifying to note that L1ASARepresentative Council has approved the increase of journal issues from two in 2003 to three as from 2004. Council has also promised a fourth issue in 2004 if income from the journal increases (the journal is largely financed through membership fees. Other sources are DALRO fees, page fees and advertisements). We are proud to record that the journal has attracted both established and novice authors, which is essential for sustainability and capacity building as a solid African journal. This issue reflects a mixture of contributions from established authors, novice authors and collaborative publications (both peer to peer and academic and student) that is encouraging.