Congestion on the Information Superhighway: Does Economics Have a Working Papers Problem? / Lester R. Lusher, Winnie Yang, Scott E. Carrell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lusher, Lester R.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Yang, Winnie.

Carrell, Scott E.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w29153.

NBER working paper series no. w29153

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2021.

Summary:

Publishing takes a long time in economics. Consequently, many authors release "working" versions of their papers. Using data on the NBER working paper series, we show that the dissemination of economics research suffers from an overcrowding problem: An increase in the number of weekly released working papers on average reduces downloads, abstract views, and media attention for each paper. Subsequent publishing and citation outcomes are harmed as well. Furthermore, descriptive evidence on viewership and downloads suggests working papers significantly substitute for the dissemination function of publication. These results highlight inefficiencies in the dissemination of economic research even among the most exclusive working paper series and suggest large social losses due to the slow publication process.

Notes:

Print version record

August 2021.