Terms of Reference

Draft April 29, 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this working group is to make recommendations for the future of the Intellectual Property Journal of the PTDLA based on a thorough review of its goals, history and current operations.

Background

In 2001, the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Association (PTDLA) established an open access, peer-reviewed professional journal called the Intellectual Property Journal of the PTDLA. Issues of the journal are available on the PTDLA website at http://www.ptdla.org/journal. The purpose of the journal is to publish original papers on all aspects of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Articles on intellectual property documentation, databases, search strategies and PTDL services are especially encouraged. Manuscripts from both PTDLA members and non-members are accepted and reviewed in a double-blind review process.

Although the journal was established with much enthusiasm and the best of intentions, it has struggled to fulfill its mission. Since 2001, three issues of the journal have been produced: June/December 2001, June 2003 and November 2007. In total, about a dozen articles and book reviews have been published: six in 2001, four in 2003 and two in 2007. The association’s limited membership (it currently has fewer than 80 members) and competition from other well-known journals such as World Patent Information and Government Information Quarterly has made it difficult to recruit authors, editors, production editors and reviewers. Repeated calls for papers at conferences and posted on e-mail lists have produced few proposals and even fewer submissions.

The sustainability of the journal is in serious doubt. Its continued operation, even in a low-level dormant state, uses energy and resources that might be applied more productively to other activities.

Timeframe

Recommendations by August 1, 2009.

Proposed membership

• John Meier, Penn State University, University Park PTDL
• Virginia Baldwin, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln PTDL
• Michael White, Queen’s University