Sue Gordon

Editorial Policy

Introduction

Editorial policy. Discover Toposcope's editorial policy, published annually by the Lower Albany Historical Society. This journal focuses on the history of the Eastern Cape since 1970.

Abstract

Toposcope (ISSN 1011-1948 print version) is published annually by the Lower Albany Historical Society (LAHS) to reflect the Society's activities and the interests of its members and readership, concerning, but not limited to, the history of the Lower Albany area in the Eastern Cape. The journal, published since 1970, is produced by the Editorial Committee and is issued free of charge to members of good standing of LAHS. In 2018 the Lower Albany Historical Society celebrated its 60th year of existence.

Review

The journal *Toposcope*, published annually by the Lower Albany Historical Society (LAHS), presents an editorial policy that clearly delineates its scope and purpose. Primarily intended to reflect the Society's activities and the interests of its members and readership, the journal maintains a focused yet flexible thematic scope. While its core emphasis is on the history of the Lower Albany area in the Eastern Cape, the phrase "concerning, but not limited to" suggests a welcome openness to broader historical narratives that may intersect with the region. This balance allows for deep dives into local history while potentially accommodating a wider array of relevant scholarship. A notable strength highlighted in the policy is the journal's impressive longevity, having been published continuously since 1970. This sustained publication record, coinciding with the LAHS's 60th anniversary celebration in 2018, underscores a deep-rooted commitment to historical scholarship and community engagement. The annual publication frequency ensures a consistent output, maintaining regular contact with its audience. Production is managed by an Editorial Committee, a standard and commendable practice for ensuring quality and coherence. The distribution model, providing the journal free of charge to LAHS members in good standing, effectively serves its primary constituency and reinforces the value proposition of membership. In summary, *Toposcope*'s editorial policy is transparent and well-aligned with its mission as a historical society publication. Its clear focus, consistent publication history, and dedicated editorial oversight are significant assets. While the current policy effectively caters to its membership, future considerations might explore avenues for broader digital accessibility or indexing in relevant historical databases to enhance its scholarly reach and impact beyond the immediate society, thereby contributing more widely to the field of regional South African history. This would further solidify its position as a valuable historical record while respecting its foundational purpose.

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