March/2013
Abel Packer, coordinator of the SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online)/Fapesp Program – which provides open access to the full content of major scientific journals in Brazil – believes that HCSM’s pioneering initiative to launch a blog and participate in social networks will serve as an example for other periodicals. In this interview, Packer explains how these media can enhance exchanges between researchers and readers, as part of an ongoing learning experience.
SciELO is encouraging scientific journals to create their own blogs and join social networks. Why?
In the near future, social networks can be expected to serve as the main means through which scientific journals disseminate information. More and more, press releases about new issues and articles, general announcements, and interactions with researchers and readers take place through social networking. So the pro-active presence of SciELO journals on social networks is one of our priorities.
Why is it important to offer content in other languages? What languages should take priority?
Communicating findings is an integral part of scientific research; it’s responsible for advances and for the accumulation of knowledge in a wide array of topic areas. English is the lingua franca of international science communication. That’s why SciELO promotes the use of English. However, the use of Portuguese is essential in some areas of knowledge, and also when the information is about research of interest in Brazil. It’s up to the editors to decide whether they should use English, Portuguese, or both. Some periodicals publish in Spanish as well, but our priority is English and Portuguese.
HCSM has launched a blog and is now on Twitter and Facebook. Do you believe this initiative will be successful? Why?
The notable quality of original research published by HCSM offers an exceptional source of content that can be translated, transferred, adapted, and shared through the blog – and from the blog to other social networking tools. Abstracts, comments, and interviews with authors are some of the material that can be drawn from each issue. Following this editorial line, the HCSM blog is perfectly positioned to become a reference point for researchers in the area. More specifically, it will also help boost the visibility and impact of this research. We see this as a pioneering initiative with fine prospects for success and especially as an example to be followed by other SciELO periodicals.
Do you have any recommendations to offer?
The main recommendation I would risk making is that you should approach and focus on social networking as an ongoing learning experience.
(Interview by Marina Lemle)
