What can be the Reason for Slow-Paced Digital Publishing of University-Managed Blogs?

The dramatic impact of digital technology on the world of publications and readership can no longer be overlooked. Digital content or digital publications are quickly overtaking the print version and are becoming a perfect alternative or the preferred choice. And, today almost every newspaper, magazine and journal is publishing its digital versions for their online readers. A similar pattern can be observed in the sphere of e-learning and academics too. Although academics blogging is increasingly being valued and seen as a worthwhile activity but still, there is a void when we turn our heads towards universities and some institutions.      

Many universities and institutions are still confused and are facing trouble in maintaining a balance between their infrastructures and choosing a right digital publishing platform which can help each student and individual to access the same set of content. And, due to this, universities managed academic journals are still far behind from making impact on the students.

So, what can be the possible complexities which are obstructing the pace of online publications of academics? Unlike the rest of digital publications, academic publications or writings need to be more precise, systematic and clear in order to deliver the correct sense without creating any confusion. Also, all these articles, blogs or reading materials need to be more technologically sophisticated so that they can have a greater impact on young learners and readers. And, as there is no teacher or an instructor available all the time to help the readers to cope up with confusions, these articles also need to include photos and external links to related sources so that the young learner is able to get a complete in-depth understanding of the topic, leaving behind all the confusions. These articles can also embed audio and video, graphs and charts, extended appendices and links to primary or original data.

On addition to this, these academics writings need to be created in such a way that they can be easily distributed to all devices in a secure environment. With the dramatic rise in the handheld devices and smartphones, digital content needs to be crafted for all the devices which include iOS, Android, Chrome book and windows. The navigation and user interface too needs to be enhanced which could enable the reader to surf around without any issue. In any case, user interface cannot be neglected.

Perhaps another vital reason for the lagging behind of universities and institutions on digital publishing platforms can be the less attention or value towards in-house editorial positions. On addition to this, there can also be an issue of the sufficient fund release or budget. Academic blogs which are posted by an individual or group are mainly intrinsically motivated and require not enough support of an institution. Also, as they are written just to share one’s belief or understanding, these publications also don’t focus much on financial profits. On contrary to this, universities or institutions perhaps are facing trouble in organizational support and sufficient budget which is required to effectively practice this new trend. Digital publishing platforms need a specific infrastructure and personnel who can look after its necessities. And obviously, this requires some sort of financial commitments. Universities and institutions need to make a financial commitment and offer more contribution in in-house editorial positions. They need to explore and give more emphasis on the value of these in-house editorial positions.