Chapter 7

花不是向我开

Introduction

Chapter 7 explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on the publication process in the humanities, tracing the evolution from traditional print-based models to dynamic digital formats. It emphasizes how digital publication redefines stages like prerelease (e.g., peer review), release (dissemination), and post-release (preservation and impact), while addressing challenges such as sustainability and academic recognition.

Prerelease: Evolving Peer Review and Preparation

In the digital era, prerelease activities have expanded beyond conventional peer review. Digital platforms enable faster, more collaborative feedback through open review systems, blogs, and crowdsourcing, as seen in projects like PEA Soup and Academia.edu. However, this shift raises questions about rigor and credibility, especially when traditional blind review is replaced by transparent, community-driven evaluations. The chapter highlights experiments like the American Historical Review's online discussions, which aimed to foster dialogue but revealed tensions between innovation and academic standards.

Release: Dissemination and Access Models

Digital release mechanisms have democratized access but introduced complexity. Aggregators like JSTOR and Project MUSE aggregate scholarly content, while initiatives like ACLS Humanities E-Book (HEB) and Gutenberg-e experiment with born-digital monographs. These platforms challenge the print-centric "monograph as gold standard" paradigm, offering enhanced features like hyperlinks, multimedia, and interactive data. Yet, issues of discoverability and interoperability persist, as digital works struggle to gain traction in hiring, tenure, and promotion (HTP) contexts without formal review.

Post-Release: Preservation, Impact, and Sustainability

Post-release concerns focus on preservation and long-term impact. Digital projects risk obsolescence without institutional support, as seen in the demise of Rice University Press. Initiatives like Hathi Trust and Portico aim to ensure sustainability, but funding and technological updates remain hurdles. Additionally, digital metrics (e.g., download counts) offer new ways to measure impact, though they may not align with traditional academic rewards. The chapter underscores a growing divide between innovative digital scholarship and conservative HTP criteria.

Challenges and Future Directions

Key challenges include balancing open access with quality control, navigating copyright in digital spaces, and rethinking credit for collaborative work. The chapter suggests that future success depends on adapting HTP guidelines to value digital contributions equally and fostering cross-institutional collaborations. Examples like the Medici Archive Project demonstrate how digital tools can enhance scholarly rigor while expanding accessibility.

Conclusion

Chapter 7 illustrates that digital publication is not merely a technical shift but a cultural one, urging humanists to embrace new forms of communication while addressing systemic biases. By integrating digital workflows into academic evaluation, the humanities can ensure that innovation enriches rather than disrupts scholarly traditions.