Publication Identification, Sources, and Best Practices

As most of you know, the publications and educational materials provided by Communication Services undergo ANR peer review, and are then assigned an ANR number. ANR peer review is managed by subject matter Associate Editors (see the list at the end of this article) and is overseen by the Communications Advisory Board (CAB). The ANR publication number, together with the ANR peer review logo inside the cover, certifies that a publication has been through this review and meets the requirements set by its Associate Editor and the CAB. Communication Services is responsible for assigning ANR numbers, adding the peer review logo, and arranging the “front matter” so that it complies with University policy and the law. For larger publications, this includes getting ISBN and Library of Congress numbers as well.

Identifying other kinds of publications or communications
Most of the information tools you use to conduct and promote your program, including publications, newsletters, flyers, fact sheets, and other items, do not go through peer review. For most day-to-day communications, peer review isn’t necessary or appropriate.  However, no matter what the scope or size of the publication or other information tool you are preparing, it is important that the material be properly identified.To properly identify a publication, it is important that the author or source of the information be clearly visible. At the very least, make sure that readers can identify who to contact about the publication or to get more information. Most of the time, this is clear. In some instances, we have received questions from the public about publications that are identified as UC, ANR, or UCCE materials without any additional source or contact information. Along with confusing our clients, this invites misuse of content information and of your creative effort.

A good rule of thumb—if you can’t find out who to contact by looking at your materials, neither can the public.

Identifying sources in the materials you create

All UCCE educational materials are copyrighted by the Regents of the University of California, whether the item states it or not. At the same time, we all want the most cost-effective and best use of program resources. If you are going to use content from an ANR-numbered publication, program Web site, or other source, note the source and, if you are using significant content, get permission from the author. Obtaining appropriate permissions is your responsibility as author.

 

Using older ANR publications that are no longer available

Associate Editors review ANR-numbered publications in their subject matter areas on a regular basis. If they choose to remove a publication from the publication list and catalog, it is done so for a reason. In most cases, the Associate Editor has checked with the appropriate workgroup or expert, and the publication has been withdrawn because the information is no longer current or because there is a replacement publication. If you have an important reason to use an out-of-date publication, please check with the appropriate Associate Editor. There may be a replacement or he or she may be aware of information in that publication that is no longer valid. We especially ask that you not duplicate older ANR publications or place them on the Web without getting permission.

 

If you have questions about identifying your publication, please contact us.

 

Bob Sams, Director, ANR Communication Services

 

List of ANR Associate Editors