A new era for ECOS magazine

CSIRO Publishing made a decision in 2010 to evolve ECOS into an online-only, open-access publication. Although print editions will shortly cease with issue 161, June-July 2011, ECOS will continue its service to both CSIRO's communications efforts and the broader community.

As a non-profit magazine published by CSIRO for over 37 years, ECOS has built a reputation for publishing high-quality, accessible articles on research issues associated with sustainable development. ECOS is also one of the world's longest running environmental magazines.

Over recent years, ECOS has experienced growth in readership and demand for its internet content both in Australia and internationally, while print readership has levelled out under the existing free web content model. It was, therefore, decided that resources should be focused exclusively on the electronic format of the magazine.

The reasons for this decision include that:

- Electronic publication is less resource intensive both financially and environmentally;

- Charging for print subscriptions is no longer tenable where online content is freely accessible;

- More frequent, timely and responsive content can be published without the constraints of print edition schedules, page design, and cost overheads. - The accessibility and flexibility of today's various electronic publishing channels can enhance the cross-linkage and provision of articles to a much wider audience, improving the community impact of content;

- The ECOS online archive now extends back to the first issue, in 1974, representing over 5000 articles in a unique and valuable 37-year historical spectrum of environmental reporting on which to draw;

- ECOS can remain accessible free-of-charge thanks to CSIRO support.

Therefore, after July 2011, ECOS will only be available online (subscriptions are no longer being sold). Subscriptions beyond July will be refunded on a pro rata basis, and subscribers up to July will receive their remaining issues free-of-charge.

In the meantime, to receive the latest articles and information by email, register for our Contents Alert and RSS feeds on the home page at www.ecosmagazine.com. You could win one of our monthly book prizes.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at ecos@csiro.au.

The ECOS team