Washington, DC SPARC (the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) today launched Gaining Independence: A Manual for Planning the Launch of a Nonprofit Electronic Publishing Venture. This new publication, available on the Web free of charge at http://www.arl.org/sparc/GI, is a detailed, step-by-step guide leading readers through the creation of a business plan for start-up and early-stage electronic publishing ventures, including digital repositories and journals.

Gaining Independence will help universities, libraries, societies and others conceive, plan and implement alternatives to commercially published scholarly and scientific information. It provides background on relevant electronic publishing models and focuses especially on areas of business planning that may be unfamiliar to those considering new communications initiatives.

The manual includes sections on: Situational Assessment and Strategic Response; Technology and Technical Considerations; Markets, Marketing and Sales; Organization; Finances; and the Financial Plan and Operating Plan. A detailed appendix links readers to pertinent resources.

"Gaining Independence delivers smart advice and solid direction to potential publishers and entrepreneurs, whether at universities, libraries, learned societies, consortia or independent firms," said Dr. Mike Hannant, Publisher, The Royal Society of Chemistry. "Its focus is on real-world concerns, with emphasis on matters that might get overlooked, such as proof-of-concept, marketing and financing, and these areas build a foundation for the long-term viability of new electronic ventures. Gaining Independence guides potential publishers through a process to make sure each new product is sustainable."

"Gaining Independence offers a practical approach to planning and implementing competitive electronic publishing ventures," said Michael J. Bass, Hewlett-Packard Company'
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Contact: Alison Buckholtz
alison@arl.org
202-296-2296 x115
SPARC
2-Apr-2002