Contexts, published quarterly, is a unique product of contemporary scholarship. Its articles, discoveries, and photo essays blend thought-provoking social science research with accessibility. Since its inception in the winter of 2002, the magazine has quickly garnered attention from the publishing community. In February of this year, the Association of American Publishers' (AAP) Professional & Scholarly Publishing Division designated Contexts "The Best Journal in the Social Sciences for 2002." The New York City-based AAP, a national organization of commercial publishers, gave its coveted award to stellar magazines reviewed by its Professional and Scholarly Publishing Division.
The Library Journal recognition, which follows on the heels of the AAP award, further attests to the magazine's overall quality and promise for growth. In response to the recent accolades, ASA Executive Officer Sally T. Hillsman remarked, "The conferring of these two prestigious awards in such rapid succession so early in this magazine's life is thrilling. And, the fact that they come from two complementary communities at both ends of the knowledge dissemination process--publishers and publication users--is more than encouraging. We are absolutely delighted to be recognized by both the publishing and professional librarian communities for providing a valuable service to the reading public, students, and scholars alike."
In keeping with the goal that Contexts should be made available to general audience readers and anyone interested in current events and society, Claude Fischer, UC Berkeley professor of sociology and the magazine's executive editor, said, "Recognition by Library Journal tells us that we are reaching the wider audience we have sought--and doing so with the same quality and energy of other successful, general-interest magazines."
UC Press Journals Division Director, Rebecca Simon, commented further, "Considering Library Journal's discerning recommendations for new media and expansive readership, we're honored to join its line-up of innovative magazines for 2002. We hope that such important recognition will encourage more individuals and libraries to discover what Contexts has to offer."
With a grand purpose and careful execution by its founding association, publisher, and editorial staff, Contexts has taken shape as a "crossover" publication, in which the latest scholarship is combined with engaging, accessible content.
According to Library Journal, "This publication achieves its ambitious goal of delivering sociological research to both social scientists and the general reader. With fascinating articles on contemporary sociological issues, Contexts . . . takes an accessible yet academic approach to its topics, offering the average reader a look at research without the jargon. Helpful sidebars with quick facts, the inclusion of personal essays, and book reviews are appealing.
Launched in February 2002, the magazine has a fast-growing international subscriber base. Further information on Contexts can be found at http://www.contextsmagazine.org. The website includes full-text sample articles, tables of contents, press releases about specific articles, and subscription information.