On-demand training
Building on the success of ALPSP's virtual training program, the On-Demand Training initiative is designed to provide flexibility and convenience. These online courses are accessible anytime, anywhere, empowering you to learn at your own pace.
Available Courses
On-Demand: An Ethics Blueprint for Publishing Professionals
Tutor: Randy Townsend, Inaugural Editor-in-Chief, GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing
In today’s publishing landscape, the ability to navigate ethical challenges is as essential as mastering editorial or marketing skills. “An Ethics Blueprint for Publishing Professionals” is a practical, thought-provoking online course designed for early career professionals who want to build a strong ethical foundation for their work in books, journals, and digital media.
Guided by Randy Townsend, you’ll learn how to recognize and address common ethical dilemmas in publishing—ranging from conflicts of interest and plagiarism to issues of inclusivity, transparency, and responsibility to readers and authors. You’ll also gain insight into the evolving role of AI in shaping publishing culture, and how ethical decision-making strengthens trust, credibility, and long-term success in the field.
Whether you’re in editorial, production, marketing, or rights management, this course equips you with the ethical awareness and tools to thrive in your career—and to contribute meaningfully to a publishing industry that values integrity as much as innovation.
This course utilises videos, quizzes, downloadable documents, and interactive content to provide a comprehensive and engaging syllabus, which is comprised of four modules:
- Peer Review Ethics and Editorial Responsibility
- Plagiarism, Fabrication, Falsification, and Conflicts of Interest
- Policy Clarity and Transparent Dispute Resolution
- AI and Innovation in Ethical Publishing
Each module is designed to take approximately one hour, but with the content broken down into handy, bite-sized chunks, this allows you to complete it in your own time and at a pace that suits you.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Define and explain core concepts in publishing ethics, including plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, conflicts of interest, data integrity, bias, spin, and image manipulation.
- Apply best practices in peer review, emphasizing confidentiality, constructive feedback, and identification of predatory publishing practices.
- Analyze and address ethical challenges in policy clarity, dispute resolution, authorship, helicopter research, and misconduct allegations.
- Evaluate the role of AI and emerging technologies in scholarly publishing for transparency, workflow impact, and policy compliance.
- Mitigate risks of AI misuse, such as hallucinations, bias, and policy gaps, through structured oversight and quality controls.
- Promote trust and accountability in scholarly publishing by integrating ethics, responsible innovation, and fair evaluation practices
Tutor Profile
Professor Randy Townsend is a visionary leader who transforms organizational goals into powerful, actionable strategies that drive collaboration, success, and integrity. With nearly two decades of expertise, Randy has been at the forefront of policy innovation and publishing strategy, setting new standards for responsible publishing practices and research integrity. He is a sought-after speaker, author, and collaborator.
During his term as President of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), Randy ignited a groundbreaking mental health awareness movement that resonated across the entire industry. His leadership extends to influential roles with the Council of Science Editors and the AM&P Network’s Association Council, where he has championed ethical standards and shaped the future of scholarly communication.
A champion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), Randy has co-chaired pivotal DEIA committees for both the AM&P Network and SSP, and actively contributes to C4DISC. His annual course on Creating an Inclusive Culture for ALPSP empowers organizations to foster environments where everyone thrives.
As the founding Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning GW Journal of Ethics in Publishing, Randy is dedicated to promoting research integrity and nurturing the next generation of leaders committed to ethical publishing. In addition, he serves as an Associate Professor in George Washington University’s #1-ranked Master of Professional Studies in Publishing Program, where he continues to inspire and shape the future of publishing.
Most recently, Randy has been named a Chef for The Scholarly Kitchen, the prominent scholarly communications blog central to the most important industry discussions.
On-Demand: DEIA in Publishing
Tutor: Nancy Roberts, Head of Content & Technology Division, Maverick Publishing Specialists
Ideal for those who are new to the publishing industry, as well as those looking to develop their understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility and its importance in the publishing sector.
This course utilises videos, quizzes, downloadable documents, and interactive content to provide a comprehensive and engaging syllabus, which is comprised of four modules:
- Introduction to DEI: What it is and Why it Matters
- Understanding Bias and Discrimination
- Getting Involved: The Role of Employee Resource Groups
- Diversifying the Publishing Process
Each module is designed to take approximately one hour, but with the content broken down into handy, bite-sized chunks, this allows you to complete it in your own time and at a pace that suits you.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Articulate why diversity and inclusion matters
- Challenge inappropriate behaviour at work confidently
- Create a compelling business case for diversity initiatives in your organization
- Participate in an ERG effectively
- Contribute to the inclusive design of publishing platforms and products
Tutor Profile
Nancy has worked in publishing for over 25 years in a variety of production and operations roles, including running global operations for the Academic business at Cambridge University Press. She is Head of Content & Technology Division at Maverick, providing specialist consultancy to scholarly publishers, societies and associations, and also works freelance as a trainer. She has a PhD in Postcolonial Feminist Literary Theory and Executive MBA from Cranfield University.
On-Demand: How Journals Work
Tutor: Simon Linacre, Head of Content, Brand & Press, Digital Science
An essential course covering the core aspects of journals publishing for those seeking to develop a career in academic journal publishing. Designed as a follow up to the ALPSP’s ‘How Journals Work’ introductory course (though this is not an essential prerequisite).
The On-Demand version of this course covers four modules:
- Introduction, IP and Publication Ethics
- Publishing Platforms and Open Access
- Product and Marketing
- Financials and the Evolution of Journal Publishing
Each module is designed to take approximately one hour, but these can be completed in your own time and at a pace that suits you.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Assess, analyse and improve processes and operations of a journal in different environments, from submission to publication
- Build awareness of contemporary journals and platforms, and which are suited to which markets
- Engage with and debate in current events and development in modern publishing (within the UK and globally)
- Navigate the core threats and opportunities which face journal publishers
- Understand product development road maps and strategy, including AGILE methodology
Tutor Biography
On-Demand: Effective Journal Publishing
Tutor: Simon Linacre, Head of Content, Brand & Press, Digital Science
Designed for those starting their careers in academic journal publishing. Providing delegates with an understanding of Open Access, what makes a successful journal, finance and business models, as well as the basics of marketing and product development.
The On-Demand version of this course covers four modules:
- Journals & Publishers
- Authors, Editors, & Publishing Models
- Understanding Open Access
- Measures of Success
Each module is designed to take approximately one hour, but these can be completed in your own time and at a pace that suits you.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand key terms, models and new developments in and around the scholarly publishing industry
- Identify what success criteria can be applied to journals by those currently working in academic publishing
- Analyse and manage finances in both open access and subscription-based journals
- Apply knowledge of channels and metrics to successfully market your journal to the right audiences
- Improve overall work quality and efficiency
Tutor Biography
Coming Soon
How Books Work
Led by Merlin Fox (Associate Publisher, The Royal Society of Chemistry), this course takes a fascinating look at the fundamentals of book publishing, covering areas such as content acquisition, publication workflows and measures of success. Ideal for those new to the industry or anyone looking for a refresher.
“How Journals Work is a brilliant resource for anyone starting out in academic publishing. It covers the kind of foundational knowledge and industry context that took me a long time to fully understand. I wish something like this had been available when I first started out in publishing!” – How Journals Work, Gabi Hart, Publishing Development Manager, Emerald Publishing
“This is a great course for anyone who has recently moved into a role involved with journals, whether directly or indirectly. Simon’s delivery is clear and compelling. A must for anyone starting to work in a role involving journals.” – How Journals Work, Sophia Anderton, Chief Executive, BJU International
