Nursing Research first came to be as a "cooperative venture" of scientists, professional organizations, publisher, editorial staff, and readers (Bunge, 1952). The purpose-to circulate findings from scientific studies in nursing to improve care, alleviate suffering, and advance well-being-has been consistent since that first print issue appeared 57 years ago.
Over the same period, the processes and pace of communication could hardly have changed more radically. At Nursing Research, the paper and post office-based editorial process of yore has been completely replaced by electronic submission of manuscripts, peer review, and communication with authors through the editor's Web page (http://www.nursing-research-editor.com). Now, an exciting new Nursing Research journal homepage (http://www.nursingresearchonline.com) supported by our publisher's myLWW platform links readers with dynamic content using Web-delivery modes for 21st-century scientists.
How is the homepage changing? First, the site is designed for personalization. You can create your own collections of content (articles, images, videos, and podcasts) and save your searches. Second, the site supports continuous connectivity on your own terms. For example, look for the universal orange Really Simple Syndication (RSS) logo Symbol. Use RSS to find out what fellow scientists have read recently by having "most viewed" or "most e-mailed" article titles sent to your blackberry or PC on the schedule you want. Another indispensable feature is the electronic table of contents (eTOC). Activation of the eTOC option sends current issue contents of your journal favorites directly to your e-mail inbox. Another new characteristic of the Web page is increased merging of print and online content distribution. Watch for "Publish Ahead of Print" (PAP)-the online posting of high-profile articles as soon as possible following acceptance to provide faster access to the newest research in nursing. Finally, expect more change as custom content widgets are added to the Nursing Research homepage over the coming months.
Science is an increasingly collaborative venture. Whereas yesterday's scholars browsed library stacks, pulled information from bound journals on shelves, and kept file boxes of annotated bibliographies on index cards, today's researchers use keywords for systematic searches of electronic databases and organize key findings in spreadsheets. Our scholarly habits have changed indeed! The new Nursing Research homepage will facilitate timely exchange of the newest ideas and findings among scientists and the practitioners and policy makers who use the information to improve direct patient care and systems of nursing services. Nursing Research on Web 2.0 is becoming a forum for scientific dialog in real time, with contents informed by ongoing engagement with readers.
To join in, point your browser to http://www.nursingresearchonline.com now. Check out the new homepage. Create or use your existing myLWW account to access features available only to subscribers. Customize the Nursing Research site to enhance your scientific work. Current subscribers who need to create an account should have the mailing label from their present issue on hand. Readers who are not subscribers may activate a subscription by clicking on Subscribe Now! Take part in our new "cooperative adventure" in scientific communication at Nursing Research.
Susan J. Henly, PhD, RN
Associate Editor
Methods Director
Minnesota Center for Health Trajectory Research
[email protected]
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