Kirsty
In 1997, we merged a journal called Impact Assessment with one called
Project Appraisal, and gave the new journal the name "Impact Assessment and
Project Appraisal". Despite making it very clear what was going on (e.g. an
extra cover around the last issue of PA saying, it's changing its name
to...), I reckon we lost about 30% of our combined subscribers. This is
after taking into account the loss you would expect because some libraries
had taken both. IA was not a good journal; maybe the change jogged library
users into doing something about it - like, not renewing (in the new
version).
I think it has also had a slight impact on submissions, as authors wonder
what this new journal is like, and play it safe by submitting to an
established one. But I could not prove this.
Secondly, we have a journal called "Science and Public Policy". It is a
major international journal for public policy in science, technology and
innovation. The title leaves out those last two areas, but the community out
there knows it covers them too. There are other journals in this area. Why
risk putting people off by changing the name when we don't need to?
The editor of IAPA wants to change its name, so I'm interested in other
people's experiences.
I also suspect people are bad at absorbing information. IAPA is accessible
free by members of an association; ads in the journal say so, the
association website points you to it, etc. Yet at their annual meeting I
meet many members who are unaware of this - and are delighted to hear it!
So, from my limited experience, I'd stay with what you've got.
Bill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Page
Beech Tree Publishing
10 Watford Close, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2EP, UK
Telephone +44 1483 824871 Email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: An informal open list set up by the UK Serials Group
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kirsty Luff
Sent: 19 April 2006 15:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Journal names - does it influence purchasing decisions?
The editor of one of our journals is considering changing the title to try
and make it more appealing internationally. We would be very grateful for
feedback about whether a journal title change would influences buying
decisions. The journal is very international in actuality, with a broadly
based editorial board and a mix of articles from around the world. However,
does the name "Journal of the British Menopause Society" likely put off
readers/librarians abroad? If we changed it to "Menopause Health" or "Annals
of the Menopause" or "Menopause & Ageing" with a subtitle of "journal of the
British Menopause Society", would this make readers/librarians more likely
to subscribe to it?
Any comments gratefully appreciated.
Kind regards
Kirsty
Kirsty Luff
Journals Circulation and Licensing Manager
Royal Society of Medicine Press
********* Important Notice - Disclaimer ***********
This email is from the Royal Society of Medicine, Registered Charity No:-
206219 This email and any attachments may contain confidential information
and/or copyright material. This email is intended for the use of the
addressee only. Any unauthorised use may be unlawful. If you receive this
email by mistake, please advise the sender immediately by using the reply
facility in your email software and then delete the message. Email sent to
the RSM may be monitored in line with current legislation and good practice.
***************************************************
|