H-Survey Editorial Board and Information

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H-Survey Advisory Board and Information

In Memoriam: Bill Cecil-Fronsman, Washburn University, List Co-Editor

Joan R. Gundersen Elon College, North Carolina, Review Co-Editor

Mark Kornbluh, Michigan State University

J. Douglas Deal, SUNY Oswego

Deborah Hirshfield, University of Dayton

David Parker, Kennesaw State University, Review Co-Editor

Neil Sapper, Amarillo College, List Co-Editor

Jody Ross, Michigan State University

The Role of H-Survey's Editorial Board

In general the role of the H-Survey editorial board is to support and guide H-Survey and its editors. The list co-editors and the review co-editors will call upon the editorial board for specific advice. The board will be asked to suggest people that the co-editors can ask to contribute, offer advice and criticism on the tone and contents of H-Survey, and help resolve any controversies. The editorial board will work with the editors to develop short-term and long-term plans for H-Survey. Board evaluations of H-Survey and of the co-editors will be provided to the H-Net Executive Committee when it evaluates each list annually (which hasn't happened yet). The editorial board will widen the scholarly ken of the co-editors and link H-Survey to scholarly associations and other useful contacts. Board members will promote and "advertise" H-Survey to colleagues to create a diverse community of those teaching the beginning college course(s) in U. S. history. Board members will also have an extensive role in the selection of new editors or replacements on the H-Survey Editorial Board.

How much work is involved? As much or as little as the member wishes. Editorial board duties are not meant to be onerous, and can often amount to little more than monitoring the list. Board members are encouraged to contribute to the quality of the list by participating in ongoing discussions. Board members also should publicize H-Survey and encourage colleagues and friends to sign on, and to contribute. Some board members will get involved in H-Net committees, and some will become co-editors themselves.

Some of the ways in which board members can contribute to H-Survey are outlined below.

Maintaining activity. We all know that activity on discussion lists tends to fluctuate; a quiet period can be followed by one of intense activity. The editorial board helps the co-editors keep the level of activity on an even keel. This can be done by introducing subjects to debate, posting notices, suggesting reviews, et cetera. It is helpful if they forward relevant posts from other lists.
Deepening and Extending a Discussion: Discussion threads often begin with simple questions and responses. Board members often can contribute to the quality of discussion in a multitude of ways by posting comments and questions that extend a discussion, draw connections between disparate points, and/or clarify an issue.
Contacts/Publicity. Editorial board members should serve as point-people for H-Survey. This means drawing other U. S. survey teachers into the list. Broadening the list will help to publicize and enrich it and the entire H-Survey and H-Net project.
Review and Oversight. Finally, the editorial board is responsible for moderating the co- editors. This means suggesting ideas for H-Survey as well as making sure the editors do their jobs in a professional and collegial manner.

As a current H-Net board member summarized, board members should

keep a watching brief (an eye) on H-Survey
start threads if things are slow
be actively involved in H-Survey discussions
help the editors with decision making when needed
be willing to volunteer for projects, writing to H-Net in support of H-Survey, et cetera.

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