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It was heartening to read Lars Fischer¡¯s defence of book reviewing (¡°Scholarly book reviewing: time for a plot twist¡±, Opinion, 7 January). This is self-evidently a vital scholarly function that should be properly recognised and rewarded by all relevant systems, not least the research excellence framework. I?applaud Fischer in particular for refusing in his own capacity as a reviews editor to work with publishers unwilling to give hard copies of their books to reviewers.

The same trend is spreading among journal publishers. I?recently lost the possibility of a?seat on an editorial board for insisting that members receive a?copy of each issue. I?have also had little traction with editors when I?have asked them to dispute journal publishers¡¯ withdrawal of?author copies.

These commercial developments masquerade as ¡°information age¡± progress, but in reality are crude and often unnecessary cost-cutting. It would be good to see more solidarity in the academic community on such matters.

Alistair Duff
Edinburgh Napier University

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