Domsa Károlyné, Fekete Gézáné, Kovács Mária (szerk.): Gondolatok a könyvtárban / Thoughts in the Library (A MTAK közleményei 30. Budapest, 1992)

KÖNYVTÁR ÉS KORSZERŰSÉG – LIBRARY AND MODERNITY

Keeping the gates of science journals. A quantitative view Tibor Braun, András Schubert, Sándor Zsindely Information Science and Scientometric Research Unit (ISSRU) Library of the Hungárián Academy of Sciences, Budapest The present system of basic research in the sciences and scientific communication depends almost entirely on the primary journal literature. Modem science has developed a particular mechanism of communication which began with the appearance of the first scientific journals in the 17th century and which remained basically the same ever since. Briefly, this mechanism is based on the selective publication of fragments rather than complete treatises. It is this selective concern with fragments of knowledge, represented primarily by journal articles, that enables science to function effectively and is responsible for its phenomenal growth and pre-eminence. The fact that a paper has been accepted for publication in a well known refereed journal is probably the best immediate indication that it reports worthwhile research. This approach is based on the assumption that the primary literature represents the only genuine record of scientific achievement. For the satisfactory operation of this intemational mechanism in the sciences the control and screening activity of journal editorial boards, which guarantee the Professional standard of science journals, is of paramount importance. It is considered, the critical mentality and decisions of journal editors have so far protected and will alsó warrant in the future the social and intellectual integrity of science. The members of the editorial and advisory boards of science journals are rightfully considered the gatekeepers of science journals. These gatekeepers, in controlling the systems of manuscript evaluation and selection, occupy powerfúl strategic „ Gondolatok a könyvtárban " 117