**With apologies for cross-posting**

UKSG TRANSFER Working Group releases Version 1.0 of its Code of Practice
to Improve Procedures for Journals Transferring Between Publishers for
public comment and review

Oxford, UK - 7th April 2008-  the TRANSFER Working Group launched
Version 1.0 of its Code of Practice
(http://www.uksg.org/transfer/papers) which aims to improve the
procedures and policies surrounding the transfer of journals between
publishers. The initial draft of the Code was released in April 2007 and
was applauded as an excellent first step forward by the contributing
library and publisher community.  Over the last year the Working Group,
made up of publishers, librarians and agents has revised and improved
the initial draft of the Code.  Version 1.0 of the Code has been
released for a public review period to last until 31 May 2008.

The Code is a set of voluntary guidelines for publishers involved in any
journal transfer.  Comprehensive in its detail, the Code covers the
thorny issues of ongoing access provision to online content, exchange of
subscriber lists, DOI and URL transfer as well as perpetual access
rights to journal content.

The TRANSFER Working Group is inviting comments on the Code through the
TRANSFER website: http://www.uksg.org/transfer
<http://www.uksg.org/transfer>  where the Code of Practice and other
information can also be found. Full details of the Code are being
presented at the UKSG Annual Conference in Torquay, UK (7-9 April 2008)
where there will be a briefing session by Ed Pentz, Executive Director
of CrossRef and Chair of the TRANSFER Working Group.

After the public review period the Working Group will review the
comments and decide if any revisions are needed to the Code in light of
comments received.  Once this is done the Code of Practice will be
formally released and publishers will be asked to agree to follow the
Code.  Publishers agreeing to align their procedures with the Code, and
to apply them in practice when working with other, similarly aligned
publishers, will be considered 'TRANSFER Compliant'.  Publishers can
apply the Code of Practice immediately for their wholly-owned journals
and can do so for journals owned by a third party (such as a society)
with new or revised contracts.

If you would like more information about the TRANSFER Code of Practice,
please contact Ed Pentz, Chair, TRANSFER Working Group,
email:epentz@crossref.org

About the UKSG

The UK Serials Group (UKSG) exists to encourage the exchange of ideas on
printed and electronic serials and the process of scholarly
communication. In a dynamic environment, the UKSG works to:

promote discussion and the free flow of information on serials matters
and associated technology

develop links between all parties in the serials information chain
encourage professional awareness,

stimulate research and provide a programme of training and education

The UKSG is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It
is the only organisation spanning the wide range of interests and
activities between serials producers and readers.

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