The Gutenberg-e Online History Project Changing Roles of players and implications for scholarly communication

Background on Project Prizes awarded by the American Historical Association Digital monographs published by Columbia University Press Ten monographs published to date 50 institutional subscriptions Prizes awarded for five years ( ) One more year of prizes to be awarded

Traditional versus collaborative publishing process Author writes monograph and submits it to publisher for editing, design, and production in print form. Author works closely with web designer, production manager, and information technology staff in shaping the content, organization, design, and functionality of the digital work.

Issues for authors and publishers in digital environment Must historical narrative appear in linear form? Can one present an “authorial voice” while allowing readers options in choosing how to read a work? Can illustrations and archives become central organizing structures of a work? What value can be created by integrating research and teaching materials?

New Roles in Scholarly Communication Editors as researchers implementing new models of scholarship Authors become active collaborators Scholars and publishers must educate themselves in potential of technology Publishing process must make use of skills of all the players

New Skills Required Better understanding of our users and their work patterns Openness to new forms of content, design, and functionality Understanding of libraries and their changing roles and needs Willingness to collaborate with other innovators in the scholarly communication field Ability to understand what is valuable from traditional publishing along with the potential for enhanced value and efficiency in digital publishing.