Summary

Scientific research is usually thought of as a field where open publication is the norm. In the early days of science, secrecy was much commoner. Journals have played an important part in encouraging greater openness by allowing researchers to substantiate their claims to priority. However, journals also impose restrictions on publication, since editors and referees combine to decide what research should be published. Equally, there are restrictions on journal access and use due, for example, to financial limitations and copyright. Journals are not the only outlets for research, but other outlets—such as books—are subject to parallel restrictions. Report literature is often particularly difficult to access. Developments in electronic communication should, in principle, improve access to research information, but progress in this respect depends on the field of research.