The Transfer Code of Practice, first released in 2008, is a set of recommendations that establishes a baseline level of quality and performance in the event that a journal changes publisher. 2012 will see new developments from the Transfer Working Group, but there is still more work to be done to inform and educate all of the various constituencies involved in the journal transfer process.

TRANSFER is an initiative of the UK Serials Group (UKSG) that seeks to address the issues that can arise when journals change publishers. The TRANSFER Code of Practice, first released in 2008, has made some important strides in improving the process by which journals transfer from one publisher to another. There is still much work to be done, and the TRANSFER Working Group is committed to continuing to develop and disseminate procedures and policies surrounding the transfer of journals between publishers so that the annual movement of journals causes less disruption for all parties involved.