This year AGU is completing the transition to electronic publishing. Already, all of the AGU journals are available online for members. The system for electronic submission of papers is being fine-tuned as this note is being written, and will be fully functional very soon. And as of January 2002, the electronic version of journals - not the print version - will be the official archival record.

The goal for AGU publications in the electronic age will remain the same as before, to provide the highest quality scientific information possible. The electronic format is designed to enable presentation of material in new formats, to enhance the services available to subscribers, and to streamline (and speed) the entire publication process.

The road for any transition is almost certain to have some "bumps." The Publications Committee is well aware of the challenge that the transition to electronic publishing entails and intends to continue to keep a close eye on progress. Because the issues are exceedingly important to AGU members, a series of short communications from the Publications Committee will appear in Eos this summer. The communications will cover some of the main issues that face authors, Editors, subscribers, and the staff. The series will talk about the differences between AGU's electronic journals and printed journals; new services for members; submission and review via the Web; preserving the record; and other key aspects of this transition. The discussion of each issue will be the subject of a separate communication in Eos. The path that AGU takes in the approach to any issue involving electronic publication, however, is guided by several principles. Among the most important of these are maintenance of the highest quality in publication, provision of services that members and subscribers deem important, and preservation of the financial stability of the Union. In addition, AGU is committed to provide authors and subscribers information that is clear, useful, and timely.

The opportunities for all of us that are opened through electronic publishing are truly revolutionary. The scientific publication landscape a decade hence is likely to be radically different from that today. The boundaries between journals are likely to blur as subscriptions to topic areas that are part of many of the current AGU journals become commonplace. Many other changes about which we can only guess will come to pass. The realization of the opportunities will demand that improvements in all aspects of electronic publishing be viewed as a continuing (and continual) need. The AGU staff and the Publications Committee know that the challenges are significant and are committed to meeting them so that AGU journals retain their reputation as the best scientific journals in the field.

George Hornberger, Chair
Publications Committee

The Publications Committee welcomes comments from members on any and all aspects of AGU publications, pubmatters@agu.org.