Abstract

Electronic publishing has the potential to fulfill this “dream”. An electronic journal is a serial publication available in digital format. These include CDROMs, internet, World Wide Web, e-mail, ASCII text, HTML WWW pages, and Adobe's PDF.

The advantages of electronic publishing are:

1. use of multimedia and Java programming language
2. interactivity - with applications such as Java, cgi programs, and forms, CME credit can be offered through online tests, or images can be presented that can be manipulated by the user
3. speed - faster dissemination of scientific information by expediting peer review, editorial and production work, and distribution
4. incorporate hypertext links - linking to other electronic information
5. enhanced discourse - expanded and facilitated scientific discourse about research, online letters to the editor and discussions concerning articles linked to the articles in question
6. improved access - ready access to information through electronic search mechanisms

Their disadvantages are:

1. readers without laptops do not have the ability to read articles on a commuter train or in bed.
2. readers who must access the journal over a modem may be hindered by the slow acquisition of large image or movie files
3. non permanent pperishable citation change their URLs or disappear
4. uncertainties in archiving Finally, we will learn how to deal with online journal management system; and discuss some current Issues and controversies surrounding electronic publishing.