Preamble
We offer an Open Access common public forum on research of information
systems and related technologies, in which we can share emergent work
and communicate work-in-progress prior to, and in some instances instead
of, publication in traditional outlets. We created Sprouts: Working
Papers on Information Systems (Sprouts) to provide a
fast-turnaround outlet for such work carried out primarily by scholars
of the information systems field and members of AIS, the Association
for Information Systems.
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Aims and Objectives
Sprouts is devoted to publishing research about the
ways in which information is generated and used as well as the way
related systems are designed, managed and implemented in a complex
socio-technical landscapes.
Sprouts emphasizes fast-turnaround and quick dissemination
of ideas, thereby filling the gap between loose working papers and
traditional journals that are notorious for a long review process
at the expense of speed to market.
Sprouts is envisioned as a worldwide community-based outlet
that can replace or supplement the fractured working papers series
of the various IS departments and research groups under one roof,
with one access point and a standardized interface.
Sprouts is an open access publication that makes all contents
available online for instant and free access by academics and scholarly
practitioners who are interested in research on information, technology,
systems and organizations.
Sprouts is managed and published by an alliance of academic
institutions that are dedicated to promote the generation and dissemination
of information-related scholarly ideas. The Sprouts Alliance is open
to any institution that is interested in advancing the mission of
Sprouts according to this Charter.
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Scope
Sprouts is open for all types of authentic and original research
and work-in-progress of the IS community.
Sprouts is geared for any interesting theory driven or theory
building work in the context of information environments, systems
and organizations, with no limitation of size, genre, or method. It
welcomes a broad, theoretically based view of information and systems
that encompasses human, social and technical aspects. Innovative and
challenging work and research genres are especially encouraged.
Sprouts is open for interdisciplinary work that broadens
the base of scholarship in organization studies, management, design,
and information systems through linkages with the full breadth of
the arts and sciences. It is guided by the conviction that information
technologies form an essential driver in creating a better world and
enabling people and organizations to achieve their missions and thrive.
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Principles
1. Publishing is a conversation
Publishing is a form of epistolary conversation among community members.
We submit, respond, appreciate, challenge, discuss and reflect through
writing manuscripts.
2. Everyone is welcome
In principle, like any public conversation, academic publishing and
its results should be open for anyone who chooses to participate.
3. Every voice counts
Diversity and pluralism of opinions is a source of innovation and
an indicator of healthy community.
4. Civil conversation, not a sermon (about the Truth)
Anything that is appropriate in a town-hall meeting or a departmental
seminar should meet the basic standard for publishing. We let time
separate the wheat from the chaff.
5. Interesting, fast, or accurate - choose two
We admit that no manuscript is ever perfect. We emphasize speedy delivery
of interesting papers that has the potential to fuel the conversation
and invigorate our thinking.
6. Positive lens
In every paper, there are some interesting ideas or at least a kernel
of a worthy point. Readers are encouraged to find, appreciate and
build on these ideas instead of continually seeking discrepancies,
gaps, and errors.
7. Open access
Anyone should be free to access, read and use our papers in a not-for-profit
environment. Payment or affiliation is not required.
8. Communal act and service
Publishing should be a communal act. Everyone should be involved in
writing and assessing as a community service.
9. Nurturing
Editors should focus on nurturing authors.
10. Credit is given where credit is due
Ideas do not come out of thin air. If papers are the fruits we bear,
we should recognize duly and explicitly our debt to those who contributed
the seeds, fertilize and nurtured them. This includes other authors,
mentors, reviewers, readers, students, friends and patrons who in
turn shape our thinking and make our writing possible.
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