Librarian FAQ
What is Compass?
Each Compass is a journal that publishes peer-reviewed survey articles from across the entire discipline. An international editorial team of scholars oversees all of the articles published. Articles are produced to the same standard as any other Blackwell journal. Users may search and browse the abstracts free on the Compass sites. Full text is delivered by Synergy as for the other Blackwell journals.
Which Compasses are available?
2006: History Compass, Literature Compass, Philosophy Compass
2007: Religion Compass, Linguistics and Language Compass, Geography Compass
Why should we subscribe to Compass?
- Accessibility - Compass articles are used by anyone needing an authoritative introduction to a new field, including advanced students and teaching faculty as well as senior scholars
- Quality - articles are specially commissioned by the editorial team, rigorously peer-reviewed, and produced to a high standard
- Breadth - covers the entire discipline, rather than a specialist area
- Quantity - 100-150 new articles per year
- Timeliness - Compass articles are published quickly and continuously.
Can we have a trial of Compass?
Yes, we can arrange a 2-month trial for you. Please contact customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com .
Is Compass available also in print?
No, Compass is only available online.
How many issues are there per year?
Compass does not publish issues as such; articles are published continuously as they are finalised. There will be approximately 100-150 new articles per year from across the discipline.
What about back issues?
All articles published on Compass remain in the database, so when your subscription starts you have instant access to the archive.
When can I start my subscription?
You may start your subscription at any time during the year. Subscriptions run for 12 months.
What is your forecast for future price increases?
We hope to keep the level of increase to a maximum of 5% in future years.
What do I keep if I decide in the future to cancel my subscription?
You would retain access to the volume years covered by your subscription.
Is there a special price for subscribing to more than one Compass?
Yes, we offer a discount for multiple purchases. Please contact customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com for information.
Is Compass available through my Blackwell Collection license?
No, Compass is available through a separate subscription.
What are the terms of the license?
We use the standard Blackwell journal license that you can read here.
How is access controlled?
IP address recognition, ATHENS (UK only), and username and password for remote users.
How do subscribers gain access to the full text of articles?
The full text of Compass articles is delivered through our online journals platform, Synergy, just as for any other Blackwell title. Users can browse and search the Compass sites for free. If they require the full text, this is controlled by IP recognition.
Is there a limit to the number of concurrent users?
No.
Are COUNTER-compliant usage stats provided?
Yes, through the Synergy COUNTER reports system.
What kinds of reference linking does Compass use?
Currently Synergy uses Crossref, Medline, and Open URL linking. When you purchase your subscription, you will be asked for the details of your link resolver.
Why does Compass display tables of contents of other publishers' journals?
As Compass articles are survey rather than primary research, our users find this feature very helpful in keeping up with selected primary journals. Each abstract is DOI-linked (where possible).
What are your terms for copying/coursepacks?
As for the other Blackwell journals, we waive copyright costs for personal and student course use.
For further information, please see the general Blackwell Librarian FAQ or contact:
Journal Customer Services UK Office- Direct Subscribers
Journal Customer Services
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
PO Box 1354
9600 Garsington Road
Oxford
OX4 2XG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1865 778315
Fax: +44 (0)1865 471775
Email: customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com
Journals Customer Services - US
1-800-835-6770
or tel 781 388 8206, Fax: 781 388 8232