Editarticle Editor Gives Journal a Boost and Leaves Prematurely

Jerry Streichler,
Editor The Journal of Technology Studies

Cece Iandoli made significant contributions during her brief term as this journal's Editor. To the Epsilon Pi Tau Board of Directors' charge to prepare this publication for entry into the 21st century she responded by engineering a well-received change in the journal's outward appearance and internal design and layout. The Board of Directors also sought a journal that, while maintaining its prominence as a scholarly publication, would better serve its Epsilon Pi Tau members and subscriber readers who were increasing in number and who represented more diverse technology interests, cultures, and nationalities. In response, Cece devised guidelines and took initial steps to extend the journal's subject matter and range of topics.

We were delighted for her when she was promoted to full professor and then appointed to chair her department at San Francisco State University. That emotion changed to disappointment when we (and Cece) realized that the demands of those new responsibilities were seriously affecting her ability to fulfill editorial responsibilities. If only she would have been able to continue with the program that we had envisioned. Nevertheless, we were fortunate to benefit from her creative energy and enthusiasm and the paths she blazed during her almost two years of service to Epsilon Pi Tau.

This writer appreciated and valued the Iandoli presence: first, as a mentor in transferring the Editor's reins to her, and then, after she took full responsibility, as an observer and supporter of her ideas and helping with their implementation. With her departure and a return as a "new" Editor it makes sense to promptly implement an innovative approach to publishing The Journal of Technology Studies that we had been planning for Cece to manage. The concept places the journal at one of three interrelated elements of what we call the Epsilon Pi Tau Publication and Information System. They are:

1. The Journal of Technology Studies. A publication and dissemination change marks the 2001 volume. We have already received positive feedback about the concept of posting individual articles online as they are completed. We hope that the inaugural hard copy of the 2001 volume that readers will receive early in 2002 will be equally well received as a useful alternative to the material that has been posted on the World Wide Web during 2001.
2. The Epsilon Pi Tau Preceptor (the official Newsmagazine). The first copy of this second element of the information and publication system was mailed to members last fall. We have received positive feedback on it. From its attractive design, layout, and typography it is clear that the Epsilon Pi Tau Preceptor is different from its predecessor, the long-serving "Quote-Unquote" Newsletter. Our dream is to make it a truly general magazine that includes information relating to leadership, technology developments and issues, career development, chapter programs and accomplishments, events and highlights from regions, and achievements of individual members. These, in addition to announcements of honors and awards and business matters of the organization, will make up this new periodical.
3. The Epsilon Pi Tau Web Site. The existing Web site will be significantly upgraded in design and comprehensiveness. It will have a new address, and because of its linkage and other capabilities this comprehensive, user-friendly, interactive Web site will be the heart of the Epsilon Pi Tau Information and Publications System.

The Web site will include sections of general information about Epsilon Pi Tau. These will be open to members and nonmembers to provide them with critically important information about the organization and about technology. But only active Epsilon Pi Tau members will be able to access other secure pages. These will contain Epsilon Pi Tau publications online, and career and advancement information as well as information on technology and technical issues and events.

As a one-stop service, members will be able to link with a variety of other professional organizations and professional and scholarly journals and magazines related to the many disciplines and specializations in the technology professions served by Epsilon Pi Tau.

Secure chat rooms, also only accessible to Epsilon Pi Tau members, will facilitate communication with other members throughout the world. Such an exchange and sharing of professional information relevant to common career and technical interests will certainly be beneficial to members.

Business matters, including payment of dues and ordering of such items as Epsilon Pi Tau jewelry, will be enabled with security. And finally, members will be able to communicate directly with Trustees, Regional Directors, and the executive staff at the International Office.

So, how does all this relate to you, our members and readers? The short answer stems from the Board of Directors' wish to build on the journal's reputation and to improve and enrich member services. As an example, we share a not widely known fact that the journal maintains the most extensive article solicitation system of any comparable journal that serves our fields of technology. This has been done to ensure that our members will enjoy the benefits of the best and most diverse scholarly materials that could be acquired. The system described in the preceding paragraphs expands on the notion of providing the best that is possible to members. The three elements not only provide publications with enlarged scope, but open significant and meaningful communications devices. These will provide member enrichment opportunities that we hope will serve and, indeed, help members as they progress and advance in their careers in a technology profession and even hold their interest in retirement.

Naturally, Cece cannot, nor would she, claim credit for all that is reported here. What she did with the journal has served the best interests of the Epsilon Pi Tau membership. The remaining elements of our publication and information system will do no less. Thanks, Cece!

JS