This site is a placeholder for what I hope will eventually be a new publishing model/application for accessing the scientific literature called iPubSci. Read the detailed rationale HERE. iPubSci is a radical solution to the growing problem of a lack of journal access and affordability for scientists. iPubSci will meld two already well-designed types of programs in search (PubMed) and the sale of individual pieces of content (iTunes) in a user-friendly interface.
How would iPubSci function? Searches could be done using a search tool virtually identical to PubMed. The search results would be listed according to the appropriate relevancy; pointing a cursor over any particular publication would bring up a floating window showing the abstract of the article. This is analogous to hearing a snippet of music by clicking on a song in iTunes. Next to each article would be the download price of the PDF file. Paying for articles could be done, as in iTunes, via credit card numbers or pre-paid accounts.
You could search for scientific papers based on keywords, subject, authors names, article titles, academic institutions, etc. and get a list of articles matching the search criteria. If you are interested in acquiring the article after reading the abstract, you could purchase and instantly download the PDF file to your computer or mobile device. I’ll even suggest a pricing structure: articles published in open access journals (or PubMed Central) would be free; articles more than two years old: $0.29; less than two years old: $0.49; articles less than six months old would be $1.29. Make it easy, affordable, and legal for users to get the articles, and scientists and other interested individuals will jump on board.
I have previously written articles for Xconomy and Nature Biotechnology on problems scientists at small biotech companies (which is most of them) have with affording journal access. This problem is being felt in academia as well. Please go to the Support iPubSci page to learn how you can help ignite a revolution in accessing the scientific literature!