Research quality, publications, and impact in civil engineering into the 21st century. Publish or perish, commercial versus open access, Internet versus libraries?

Abstract

A research project is only completed when it has been published and shared with the community. Referees and peer experts play an important role in controlling the research quality. While some new electronic tools provide further means of disseminating some research information, the quality and impact of the works remain linked with some thorough expert-review process and publication in international scientific journals and books; unethical publishing standards are not acceptable. The writer argues that the new electronic aids do not replace scholarship or critical thinking, although they have an impact on the working environment of civil engineers.Key words: research publications, quality, impact, peer reviews.