Podcast: Navigating the seas of scholarly communications: A conversation with Heather Staines

In this episode of the Insights Exchange Podcast, we set out on a journey through the nuances of scholarly communications with Heather Staines - a veteran in scholarly communications and the director of community engagement at Delta Think. Her experience spans prestigious organizations like the MIT Knowledge Futures Group and ProQuest. She is a historian by training with a PhD from Yale University and brings over 25 years of rich experience and roles from editorial director to e-product manager.  

This podcast is a blend of personal anecdotes, industry insights, and a view into the future - from Heather’s academic roots to the vibrant realm of scholarly publishing and communications.  

Heather's journey unfolds like a novel, winding through academia to consulting spaces. Her path from academia at Yale to Delta Think is marked by twists and pivotal points. She talks about how these twists and turns were very important in preparing her for the transition in her career and her role as a consultant. Her story is one that would resonate with many young research professionals. 

Heather shares her experience and opinions on open access and staunchly emphasizes on the importance of metadata. She proceeds to talk about the challenges of adhering to industry standards and how these standards often form the foundation for the integrity of scholarly communication. Her opinion provides  a peek behind the screen, revealing the complexities faced by those striving to make research accessible to all. 

When speaking about her stints at open-source companies like Hypothesis and the MIT Knowledge Futures Group, she emphasizes the transformative power of open source and open infrastructure in reshaping academic publishing. It is a nod to the collaborative spirit that can drive positive change in the industry. 

A key highlight of the podcast is Heather's perspective on inclusivity and diversity in the SciComm space. More than just a buzzword, inclusivity is a fundamental necessity for the health, vitality and growth of scholarly communications. Her insights shed light on the ongoing efforts and the road ahead for achieving true ”bibliodiversity” -  a diverse ecosystem of publishers, platforms, and content types, each playing an equally important role in this space. 

She then moves on to talk about the perennial clash between the commercial and nonprofit aspects of scholarly publishing. Heather paints a graphic picture of the delicate balance required to sustain the financial aspects of academia without compromising its mission-driven essence. It is often a walk on the fine line that many in this field can relate to. 

When asked subsequently, Heather addresses the impact of academic pressure on young researchers. She mentions the 'Publish or Perish' problem persistent in this field and how crucial a role mentors, societies and universities play in supporting young minds and providing guidance. We are brought into her heartfelt narrative of the challenges faced by those trying to carve their niche in academia. 

The discussion takes an intriguing turn into technology in academic publishing. Heather is quite nuanced while acknowledging the potential of technology to transform the academia space while also plainly addressing the challenges that arrive with integrating these tools into the scholarly publishing process. Providing a glimpse into the future, Heather speculates on the upcoming trends in scholarly publishing. AI, open access, and a format-free approach are highlighted, thus describing a dynamic and evolving landscape where efficiency is at the crux.  

As the podcast draws to a close, Heather leaves us with her insights serving as a guide for those venturing into scholarly communications, offering valuable advice on mentorship, volunteering, and seizing growth opportunities. 

You may also listen to the podcast on

Spotify: https://ow.ly/fKLW50QhkRA

Apple Podcasts: https://ow.ly/YFhv50QhkRE

Google Podcasts: https://ow.ly/8xpH50QhkRC