Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science Invites Submissions on Evolving Challenges in Academic Dissemination
The Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science (CJILS), a respected bilingual publication serving the library and information science community, has issued a call for papers focused on current issues in scholarly publishing. This special issue, guest-edited by researchers from the University of Ottawa, seeks contributions that examine timely developments affecting how research is created, evaluated, shared, and preserved in Canada and internationally.
Background on the Journal and Its Role in Canadian Scholarship
Established in 1976, CJILS is published by Western University Libraries on behalf of the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS). The journal appears two to three times per year and maintains a diamond open access model, meaning there are no fees for authors or readers. It welcomes research articles, notes, reviews, and commentaries in both English and French, fostering dialogue across the country’s linguistic communities. The publication has long provided a platform for theoretical, empirical, and methodological work in library and information science, with a particular emphasis on Canadian perspectives.
Details of the Current Call for Papers
The special issue on current issues in scholarly publishing invites original submissions addressing topics such as open access transitions, article processing charges, transformative agreements, predatory publishing, preprint adoption, and equity in global research dissemination. Guest editors Madelaine Hare, Stefanie Haustein, and Leigh-Ann Butler, all affiliated with the University of Ottawa, encourage contributions from students, early-career researchers, practitioners, and established scholars. Manuscripts should align with the journal’s guidelines for research articles and undergo the standard peer-review process. Submissions are accepted through the journal’s online portal at the Western University OJS platform.
The Broader Landscape of Scholarly Publishing in Canada
Canada’s research ecosystem faces distinctive pressures shaped by its geography, bilingual requirements, and funding structures. Universities across provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador rely on a mix of federal grants through the Tri-Council agencies, provincial support, and institutional resources. The shift toward open science has accelerated in recent years, with many institutions adopting policies that encourage or mandate open access. National consortia play a central role in negotiating agreements that balance access with sustainability for both publishers and libraries.
Key Challenges Highlighted by the Call: Open Access and Article Processing Charges
One of the most pressing concerns in the call is the financial model underpinning open access. While gold open access has expanded, article processing charges (APCs) can create barriers, particularly for researchers at smaller institutions or in the humanities and social sciences. Canadian libraries and consortia have responded by pursuing read-and-publish agreements and supporting diamond open access platforms that eliminate author fees entirely. These efforts aim to preserve equity while meeting funder expectations for immediate open access.
Predatory Publishing and Research Integrity Concerns
The call also addresses the persistent problem of predatory journals that exploit the open access model without providing rigorous peer review. Canadian researchers and librarians have contributed to national and international discussions on how to identify and avoid such outlets. Initiatives from organizations like the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and university libraries help educate faculty and students on journal quality indicators, citation practices, and the importance of transparent editorial processes.
Preprints, Registered Reports, and New Models of Dissemination
Another theme in the special issue is the growing role of preprints and alternative review models. Platforms such as arXiv, bioRxiv, and regional servers have gained traction in Canada, allowing researchers to share findings rapidly while traditional peer review proceeds. Registered reports, which commit to publishing results regardless of outcome, are also gaining attention as a way to reduce publication bias. The call encourages submissions that evaluate these practices within Canadian disciplinary and institutional contexts.
Canadian Institutional and National Responses
Organizations such as the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) and Coalition Publica have developed infrastructure to support sustainable open access publishing at scale. CRKN’s assessment guidelines for open access publishers provide member institutions with criteria for evaluating proposals, while Coalition Publica offers coordinated support for Canadian journals seeking diamond open access pathways. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to keeping Canadian research visible and accessible without shifting unsustainable costs onto individual authors or libraries.
Implications for Academics, Librarians, and Administrators
For faculty members and graduate students, decisions about where to publish now carry implications for career progression, funding compliance, and research impact. Librarians increasingly serve as partners in scholarly communication, offering guidance on copyright, repository deposit, and journal selection. University administrators must balance institutional open access policies with budget realities, particularly as international student enrollment fluctuations and provincial funding formulas affect overall resources. The special issue provides an opportunity for these stakeholders to share case studies and evidence-based recommendations.
Future Outlook and Opportunities for Engagement
As global mandates for open research continue to evolve, Canadian voices will remain important in shaping equitable and sustainable models. The CJILS call for papers arrives at a moment when artificial intelligence tools are beginning to influence peer review, plagiarism detection, and even manuscript generation. Submissions that explore these emerging intersections are especially welcome. Researchers interested in contributing can review the full call and submission guidelines on the journal website. Participation in this special issue offers a chance to influence national conversations and strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice in scholarly publishing.
How Readers Can Stay Informed and Contribute
Academics and information professionals are encouraged to monitor updates from CAIS and the journal’s OJS platform. Early-career researchers may find the call particularly accessible, as the editors explicitly welcome diverse perspectives. Institutions can support submissions by providing internal review or funding for open access where needed. By engaging with this special issue, the Canadian higher-education community can help chart a course toward more transparent, inclusive, and resilient scholarly communication systems.
