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Book Review
Weller, Ann C. Editorial Peer Review: Its Strengths and Weaknesses. Medford, NJ: Information Today, Inc. (ASIST Monograph Series), 2001. ISBN 1-57387-100-1. $44.50.
In Editorial Peer Review, Weller conducts a thorough examination of published studies on the peer review process between 1945 and 1997. Although her scope includes studies of the process in a variety of fields, librarians who face the challenge of writing for peer reviewed publications will find a wealth of thought-provoking material here. Topics covered include the rejected manuscript, editors and editorial boards, peer review in an electronic environment, and the role of reviewers. Each is examined through the lens of available studies, and Weller points out when current studies are insufficient and more research is needed into an aspect of the peer review process. Studies of journals in librarianship are included, and publication-minded information professionals will find useful nuggets of information in tables that compare, for example, rejection rates in journals from different disciplines. Recommended for academic librarians who need to immerse themselves in the peer review process.