Electronic Journals: The Grand Information Future?

Abstract
This article considers the potential of electronic journals to revolutionize the scholarly communication system. Written at the dawn of widespread internet adoption, it anticipates many of the debates that would follow regarding open access, commercial versus non-commercial models, and the democratization of knowledge.

Key Points

• Promise of electronic publishing: reduced costs, faster dissemination, and potential for global access.
• Challenges identified: technological limitations of the mid-1990s, lack of institutional support, and resistance from entrenched commercial publishers.
• Sociological implications: electronic journals could shift control of knowledge dissemination away from elite publishers and toward scholars and universities themselves.
• Future vision: argues for a more equitable, accessible, and sustainable scholarly communication system if electronic journals are embraced.

The paper reflects an early articulation of themes later developed in ICAAP and open access publishing initiatives.

Recommended citation: Sosteric, Mike. (1996). "Electronic Journals: The Grand Information Future?" *Electronic Journal of Sociology*, 2(3).
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