One of the best ways for pulp and paper professionals to stay informed of industry news is to subscribe to pulp and paper publications. There are many publications, trade journals and newsletters available that cover current trends in pulp and paper; but rather than inundate yourself by subscribing to them all, you may want to pick and choose the ones that best meet your business's needs.

There is a huge selection of industry publications to choose from. Where some are very limited and cover specific topics, others give an overview of the whole industry and offer a variety of resources. The trick is to get the most information out of the fewest resources, thus saving you money and keeping you well informed without consuming all your valuable time. When choosing publications on paper, remember the following:

1. Some paper industry magazines offer free trial subscriptions that you can take advantage of.

2. When subscribing to publications, find out what period your payment covers. Make sure you receive any back issues within the time period you pay for. Some publications may just begin subscription with the current issue.

3. Order your publication directly from its website, if possible, or you may miss out on subscription perks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to pulp and paper magazines and take advantage of the perks

Many publishers offer discounted pricing with subscriptions, in addition to other perks. Check to see if they offer free trial subscriptions or copies. You may even be able to cancel your subscription without payment or penalty if you are not absolutely satisfied.

I recommend: RISI puts out Pulp & Paper and Pulp & Paper International, and both are free subscriptions. PaperAge is also a free publication, as long as you qualify

Take advantage of online pulp and paper industry publications

E-mags and web publications have evolved for the better, and there are many benefits to taking advantage of them. Not only are they readily available, the medium also allows publishers to compliment articles with multimedia resources. You may have to sign up as a member, but that can be an added bonus. It could get you access to free sample copies or journal archives.

I recommend: Paper Industry is an online publication that provides back issue options and a new products forum. Walden-Mott offers many online services, such as Global News and Walden's ABC Guide online, in addition to its publication selection.

Join a professional association for access to pulp and paper business publications

If you are a business, you may consider becoming a member of an association for professionals. As a member, you'll receive access to free publications, as well as other informational resources. If you sign up as a business, you can extend these services to your employees as well.

I recommend: The Pulp and Paper Products Council and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) are both industry associations that offer online publications to industry professionals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your local library for publications, as many subscribe to online databases that may include paper journals, periodicals and magazines.