Scholarly Communications (ScholComm) Working Group
Description and Statement of Work
Return on Investment (ROI)
Because participation in ScholComm's work is optional, ROI will vary from person to person. Each participant of ScholComm will have the opportunity to attend one or more web and in-person professional development opportunities, and can also serve on the Steering Committee, Support Teams, and Task Forces.
- ScholComm Working Group Participant
- Investment: ScholComm’s web and in-person professional development opportunities may range from one hour to one day. These meetings will provide opportunities for engagement in ScholComm topics and networking with others interested in scholarly communications. There is also a variable time commitment to explore and implement resources, tools, and services provided by ScholComm.
- Return: Attendance at ScholComm’s professional development opportunities will allow participants to be greater informed about this emerging and evolving field, and to connect to their PALNI ScholComm colleagues. Exploring ScholComm’s resources, tools, and services educates participants in a way that prevents duplication of effort and allows quick access to relevant material.
- ScholComm Steering Committee Member
- Investment: Members of the ScholComm Steering Committee are expected to spend around 3 hours a month on ScholComm work. This includes monthly to bimonthly meetings used to define and develop action items.
- Return: ScholComm steering participants receive up to $2000 annually in professional development funds to develop skills and share knowledge. They also gain an increased understanding of scholarly communication, experience developing ScholComm programs, and leadership development.
- ScholComm Support Team Member
- Investment: Each Support Team meets as needed address specific support requests and action items.
- Return: ScholComm Support Team participants get the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest and/or expertise, share knowledge across ScholComm/PALNI, and to apply best practices/expertise at their home institutions.
- ScholComm Task Force Member
- Investment: Each task force meets as need specific, project based action items. Duration and work for the task force varies by task force and level of involvement.
- Return: ScholComm Task Force participants get the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest and/or expertise, share knowledge across ScholComm/PALNI, and to apply best practices/expertise at their home institutions.
- Return: ScholComm’s work provides resources, tools, and services to all PALNI participants regardless of involvement in ScholComm activities.
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Goals of this Statement of Work
This statement of work defines the operational support provided by the ScholComm Working Group, ScholComm Support Teams and ScholComm Steering to PALNI-supported institutions. The objectives of this statement of work are to:
- Articulate clear roles and responsibilities of the ScholComm Working Group, ScholComm Support Teams, and ScholComm Steering.
- Provide a concise and clear description of the operational services and support provided.
- Ensure that the expected service is delivered through measurable means.
- Communicate expectations for PALNI-supported institutions.
Group Charge
The Scholarly Communications Working Group (ScholComm) develops and supports scholarly communication initiatives at the PALNI-supported institutions. PALNI defines scholarly communication as the cycle through which scholarly information is created, evaluated, disseminated, acquired, and preserved. Initiatives include scholarly publishing, institutional repositories, and affordable learning.
Specifically, ScholComm:
- Raises awareness and provides professional development opportunities related to ScholComm activities, via web and in-person.
- Identifies, develops, and maintains resources, tools, policies, and services applicable to ScholComm initiatives.
- Creates targeted task forces on pertinent ScholComm topics.
Group Participation
Anyone employed by a PALNI-supported institution who is interested in scholarly communications as defined by PALNI (the cycle through which scholarly information is created, evaluated, disseminated, acquired, and preserved) may participate in ScholComm. Participation in ScholComm events and work is encouraged but optional.
ScholComm’s work is coordinated by a Steering Committee.
ScholComm includes the following Support Teams, and their Chairs advise the Steering Committee.
This team provides ongoing administration and support for the Hyku Commons repository platform.
This team provides ongoing administration and support for the PALSave Affordable Learning program.
This team provides ongoing administration and support for the PALNI Open Press.
ScholComm also includes project-based task forces for a limited duration.
Ongoing Responsibilities of ScholComm
- Review the statement of work annually or as necessary to address changes in staffing, expectations, or service needs.
- Perform action items, including those outlined in the strategic plan and any other identified tasks.
- Collaborate with other PALNI groups.
- Raise awareness and provide professional development opportunities related to ScholComm activities, online and in-person.
- Identify and maintain resources and tools applicable to ScholComm initiatives.
- Provide support for PALNI ScholComm services.
- Create and lead targeted task forces on pertinent ScholComm topics.
Ongoing Responsibilities of ScholComm Steering
- Members of the ScholComm Steering Committee spend around 3 hours per month working on ScholComm activities, task forces, and events.
Ongoing Local Responsibilities
- ScholComm’s resources and support are developed specifically for PALNI-supported institutions. Implementation of tools and services should be done at the local level in coordination with ScholComm and/or PALNI Scholarly Communications Director.
Communication
- ScholComm provides the PALNI community, the PALNI Board, and other stakeholders with updates about activities and support requests.
Major Services
- For information on ScholComm Services, see: https://palni.org/scholcomm
For More Information
- Contact PALNI Scholarly Communications Director Amanda Hurford at amanda@palni.edu.
Updated July 15, 2025 by Amanda Hurford