Electronic taxon data and publications

[jr19]

One of the problems in becoming a "senior member of the faculty" is that one
becomes involved in a variety of administrative matters, some of which, on
occasion, are even important.

At the University of Maryland, the College Park Campus administration works
closely with the faculty in developing policies on all aspects of campus life.
Below is the text recently developed which others may wish to have considered
on their campuses.

THE EVALUATION OF ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION AND PRODUCTION IN THE TENURE
AND PROMOTION REVIEW

It is becoming increasingly common for scholars to publish in electronic media
in place of print. Such publications are to be evaluated in the same manner as
printed publications for the purpose of tenure and promotion review. The
essential factor in judging electronic publications, as in judging printed
publications, is the rigorousness of the peer review. As in the case of
printed journals, it is helpful for review committees to have information
addressing the status of the electronic journal in the field and the rate of
acceptance of articles.

The production of publicly available databases of scholarly material should be
considered in the same manner as non-refereed journals. Maintenance of a
database, a web site, or an electronic discussion group for other researchers
constitutes a form of professional service.

The development and implementation of curricula employing instructional
technology and the production of electronic instructional materials are to be
evaluated under the rubric of teaching and advising.

Hope this is useful.

James L. Reveal (MARY)
jr19 at umail.umd.edu