This cyclic pattern of original research, followed by a chain of various publication formats, is known as the publication cycle . There are, of course, variations on the basic pattern which reflect the differing orientations of the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The publication process is quite lengthy. However, the Internet and the advent of electronic journals are opening up the possibility of disseminating research results much more rapidly. Some scholars and researchers hesitate to accept them as having equal merit or prestige as print journals, even though many are refereed.
Electronic journals are probably most common in the sciences, and least common in the humanities.
As the prices for print publications continue to escalate, though, and the need for faster dissemination of research results grows, we can expect an increase in the number of electronic journals and their growing use and acceptance among scholars.