Journals

Oxford University Press, although it had for many years published a select collection of scholarly journals, did not seriously enter the journals market until the 1980s, for intense competition, unfamiliar editorial and production practices, and complicated distribution methods had impeded growth. From the 1960s developments in scientific research and reporting led to an expanded journals market in the sciences; by publishing journals OUP could fulfil the requirement of the Waldock Report to increase its science publication. Journal publication also offered a different business model with positive cash flow and opportunities to develop ties with academic faculties and learned societies. By 2004 the journals market was the fastest growing sector of the publishing industry, benefiting from internet distribution, price increases, and the increasing demand that academics publish regularly. The chapter considers the growth of the OUP journals list, the profitability of its titles, and the range of academic subjects covered.