From the editor

Journal of Engineering Technology, Spring 2002 by Miertschin, Susan L

IN 1984 THE FOUNDERS OF THE Journal of Engineering Technology stated objectives for the Journal as follows: (1) to nurture engineering technology as a distinct body of knowledge, (2) to foster inquiry in engineering technology, and (3) to disseminate the results of such inquiry. In addition to framing a vision and mission for the Journal through these stated objectives, the founders also devised an operational schema around an editorial board and created funding infrastructure to cover publication costs. Today, after eighteen years in print, the mission of the Journal is still accurately stated by the original objectives. However, needs have arisen that prompt changes in both operational aspects and funding sources for the Journal.

To answer a need in the area of operations, the Journal Editorial Board voted at the semiannual board meeting in Sarasota in February to add an editorial position of Secretary/Treasurer. This person will keep accurate minutes of meetings and will maintain financial records, duties that currently are those of the Editor in Chief and the Production Editor. We anticipate appointing this new board member at the semiannual board meeting in Montreal in June 2002.

In addition to the operational change, the Board is facing the problem of publication costs that have risen steadily to a level that can no longer be offset by the current funding structure. At present 40% of direct publication costs, including production, printing, and mailing, are met through dues for membership in the Engineering Technology Division of ASEE (all ETD members receive the Journal as part of their membership package). Another 25% of these costs are met through advertising income and 25% through subscriptions, mainly from libraries and academic institutions. The remaining 10% of costs are funded from a variety of sources, including bulk sales of current issues, sales of back issues, and grants. At the semiannual board meeting in Albuquerque in June 2001, a number of measures were considered to balance available funds with the cost of publication. Four options were carefully reviewed at that meeting: (1) increase subscription rates, (2) reduce production costs through modest changes in paper quality, (3) institute page charges to authors who publish in the Journal, and (4) seek grants or organize fundraising events. In June 2001 the Journal Board approved a modest increase in subscription rates and implemented it that fall. At the February meeting, the Board recognized that at least one other measure was needed, and more discussion of these options occurred with no resolution.

As Editor, I want our readership to know that the Journal Board is carefully considering every option and we are sensitive to issues that would impact either the quality of the publication or the cost to individual readers. It is the goal of the Board to make only modest and necessary changes to the funding infrastructure for the Journal and to keep you-the readers-informed of every change as it is implemented.

Sincerely,

Susan L. Miertschin Editor in Chief