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Aims & Scope

 

Aims of Athenaeum 

Athenaeum is an open-access, peer-reviewed online journal dedicated to promoting the scholarly and professional work of Florida International University (FIU) Libraries’ faculty and staff. By embracing a wide range of submissions, including research findings, case studies, multimedia projects, and cross-disciplinary investigations, Athenaeum connects library practice with academic inquiry. 

Upholding a robust peer-review process, Athenaeum fosters a supportive atmosphere for scholars at all stages of their professional journey. Through constructive peer reviewer feedback, contributors gain experience and professional development opportunities. By showcasing FIU Libraries' innovative efforts and scholarly output, Athenaeum connects authors with a varied academic and professional readership, promoting dialogue and discovery in library and information science. 

Scope of Scholarship 

Athenaeum publishes a broad range of scholarly and professional works, including, but not limited to: 

• Research articles 

• Case studies and practical applications 

• Conference presentations and posters 

• Digital exhibits and multimedia projects 

• Book chapters 

• Reports and Whitepapers 

 

Submissions may span a wide spectrum of topics, from theoretical explorations to practice-based innovations. While Athenaeum primarily highlights the work of FIU Libraries faculty and staff, the journal will periodically publish special issues that invite contributions from beyond FIU Libraries. Regular issues maintain an open focus, whereas special editions may emphasize specific themes or emerging areas of interest. 

Why Submit to Athenaeum? 

• High Visibility: As an online journal hosted on the Digital Commons platform, there is broad discoverability in both academic and professional circles. 

• Permanent Identifiers: Each published submission receives a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), facilitating reliable citation and long-term access. 

• Usage Metrics: Authors can view download counts and citation data, providing insight into how and where their work is being referenced. 

• Professional Development: Through rigorous peer review and editorial support, contributors gain experience in academic publishing, while also building their scholarly profile. 

• Open Access: All works are freely available, expanding reach and impact within the library and information science community and beyond. 

Latest volume 

 

Submission Guidelines 

Scope & Eligibility 

• Relevant Fields: Athenaeum welcomes scholarship and practice-based contributions that relate to library and information science. While each submission must demonstrate a clear connection to library work, interdisciplinary perspectives are encouraged. 

• Who May Submit: Submissions are primarily accepted from FIU Libraries faculty and staff. External contributions may be solicited for special issues at the discretion of the editors. 

Original Submissions 

• Previously Unpublished or Unpresented Work: Submissions that have not been disseminated in any form - whether print, digital, or otherwise - are encouraged. Examples include original research articles, whitepapers, blog posts, videos, and similar scholarly or professional outputs relevant to library and information science. 

• Abstract Requirement: Each submission must include a newly written abstract (up to 500 words, in English), outlining the work’s scope, methodological approach (if applicable), main findings or arguments, and overall significance to the field. 

Previously Published or Presented Work 

• Conference Sessions & Limited-Venue Publications: Resubmissions of content – whether presentation slides, posters, or other proceedings - originally delivered in conference sessions, seminars, or other restricted-circulation forums are also welcomed. Authors must retain the rights to republish. 

• New Abstract Requirement: A newly written abstract (up to 500 words in English) must be provided. This abstract should go beyond summarizing the original material to include context on relevance to FIU, library professionals, or the broader information science field. 

Preparing the Abstract 

• Length & Format: Up to 500 words, submitted as a .docx file. 

• Language: English, even if the main submission is in another language. 

• Content: 

• Describe the topic, approach, or conclusions. 

• Explain the significance for library professionals or the broader community. 

• For resubmissions of conference or other previously presented material, clearly indicate where and when it was first presented (e.g., conference name, date) and summarize any updates or clarifications made since the original presentation. 

Required Submission Elements 

• Title 

• Abstract (up to 500 words) 

• Keywords 

• Short Author Biography (2–3 sentences) 

• Main Submission (paper, presentation slides, digital exhibit, poster, or other relevant formats) 

Main Submission & File Formats 

• Papers & Reports: PDF is preferred, or the original file format (e.g., Word). 

• Conference Presentations & Posters: Upload slides, posters, or handouts as PDF or PowerPoint. 

• Digital Exhibits: Provide a stable web link or an HTML file, accompanied by a zipped archive of exhibit files if necessary. 

• Multimedia Projects: Provide audio or video in commonly accessible formats (e.g., MP4). 

• Datasets: Submit separately for hosting in FIU’s data repository, if applicable. 

Citation & Style 

• References: APA (7th edition) style for citations. 

• Footnotes vs. Endnotes: Short explanatory notes may be included as footnotes, but references should be cited in-text per APA style. 

• General Formatting: Chicago Manual of Style for headings, figures, and overall layout, if the work is previously unpublished. 

Submission Platform 

• Submissions must be made through the Athenaeum Digital Commons site [link to Submit Manuscript]. 

• Follow on-screen prompts to upload all required files. 

• The editorial team anonymizes each submission prior to the double-blind peer review process. 

ORCiD Requirement 

• Authors are encouraged to include an ORCiD ID. Guidance is available for those who have not yet created one. 

Peer Review & Revisions 

• Double-Blind Review: Neither authors nor reviewers see each other’s identities. 

• Editorial Decisions: Possible decisions include acceptance (with or without revisions), revise and resubmit, or rejection. A single round of major revisions is generally anticipated if required. 

• Mentorship for Reviewers: Training and support are provided to ensure feedback is constructive and fair. 

• Interested in becoming a reviewer? Complete the Peer Review Survey [link] to express interest in serving as a reviewer for Athenaeum. 

Copyright & Licensing 

• Author Rights: Copyright remains with the author. 

• License: All published content is made available under a Creative Commons license. 

• Self-Archiving: Published work may be posted on personal or other institutional websites. 

Ethical & Legal Considerations 

• Conflicts of Interest: Disclosure of funding sources is required. 

• Plagiarism & Originality: Appropriate citations and acknowledgments are necessary, even for resubmitted work. 

• AI-Generated Content: Must be clearly disclosed (e.g., AI assistance in writing or data analysis). 

Additional Considerations 

• For co-authored works, the submitting author should provide a signed Co-Author Agreement Form for publication. 

• Visual and audio materials should be legible, grammatically correct, and clear. 

• Audio quality must be intelligible. 

• Visual content must add substantive, coherent value to the text and/or audio. 

 

Withdrawal Policy 

• Submissions may be withdrawn at any time before peer review begins. 

• Formal email notification to the editors is required if a manuscript is already under review. 

Post-Publication Policy 

• Corrections, Retractions, or Updates: Authors may request these at any time after publication. 

• Post-Publication Discussions: Letters to the editors may be submitted for comments or rebuttals; accepted letters are considered for inclusion in subsequent issues. 

Editorial Contact Information & Support 

• General Inquiries: For questions related to submissions, peer review, or publication, contact the editors at athenaeum@fiu.edu. 

• Resources: Additional author guidelines, technical support, and style references are available on the Resources tab. 

 

Resources 

Link to https://library.fiu.edu/PeerReview 

 

Editorial Board 

Managing Editor, Rebecca Bakker 

Assistant Editor, Joana C. Fernandez 

Peer Review and Research Committee 

• Chair, Veronica Gonzalez 

• Vice Chair, Sabine Dantus 

• Member, Ximena Valdivia 

• Member, Ramces Marsilli 

• Member, Christopher Jimenez 

• Member, Joana Fernandez 

 

ORCiD 

Link to https://orcid.org/register 

 

Become a Peer Reviewer 

Link to https://fiu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dj29jXjiuH8wgaG 

 

 

Submit Manuscript 

Log in via FIU Credentials 

Submit Manuscript 

Manuscript Preparation 

• All text, figures, and tables are recommended to be consolidated into a single file whenever possible. 

• Manuscripts must align with the Athenaeum guidelines. 

• Submissions will undergo a double-anonymous peer review process, in which author and reviewer identities are concealed and reviewer comments remain anonymous. 

Submission Steps 

• Article Submission Agreement: Read and accept the terms of the Article Submission Agreement. 

• Author Information: Provide details for the submitting and any co-authors. 

• Submission Details: Enter the required metadata (e.g., title, abstract, keywords, ORCID iD). 

• Upload the Main File: Add the primary document (article, poster, presentation) in PDF format or other approved format. 

• Upload Additional Documents: On the next screen, submit supplementary files (e.g., co-author agreement, proof of prior peer review). 

Before Beginning a Submission 

• Ensure all items below are available: 

• Article Title 

• Abstract in English  

• Keywords  

• ORCID iD  

• Article in PDF Format (or the single file containing text, figures, and tables) 

• Co-Author Agreement (if applicable) 

• Consult the Submission Guidelines for Athenaeum or PRRC Resources to verify that formatting requirements have been met. 

Finalizing the Submission 

No part of the submission is final until all steps are completed and the Submit button is clicked. The review process commences as soon as the system receives a readable article along with its title and abstract. Revisions to any submitted element may be made later by selecting the submitted article’s title on the My Account page.