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.