Open Science Fundamentals in 2 Minutes, Section 4
Prior to the publication of a research paper in a journal, you have the option to make it accessible for free to everyone. You can do this on your own site, or you may opt to utilize a preprint server, like psyarxiv.com, where fellow researchers also publish their preprints. This initiative is backed by the OSF, ensuring its longevity, and it simplifies the process of locating others’ research.
Preprint servers have been a staple in physics for many years but are increasingly prevalent throughout academia. Preprints facilitate swift sharing of your research, which is crucial for those in the early stages of their careers. Preprints can be referenced, and indexing platforms like Google Scholar will associate your preprint citations with your later journal publication record.
Additionally, preprints allow for evaluation (and correction of mistakes) before the final publication.
What occurs once my paper is published?
Your research remains accessible in its preprint format, meaning there is a non-paywalled variant, resulting in a higher readership and citation rate. When you upload a version of your manuscript post-acceptance for publication, it is referred to as a post-print.
What about rights?
Generally, journals hold the rights to the formatted, typeset edition of your published manuscript. This is why you typically cannot upload the PDF version to your personal website or a preprint server, but you can upload a version that contains the same text (the formatting may differ, but the content remains unchanged).
Will journals decline my paper if it has already been “published” as a preprint?
Most journals permit, or even promote preprints. A shrinking number do not. If you’re curious, you can look for specific journal policies here.
Am I at risk of being scooped?
Preprints enable you to timestamp your work prior to publication, serving as a means to establish priority on your findings, which provides some safeguard against being scooped. Naturally, if you have a project where you prefer to keep your research under wraps until publication, preprints may not be ideal.
When is the right time to upload a preprint?
Upload a preprint when you submit to a journal, for each subsequent submission, and upon acceptance (turning it into a postprint).
What prevents individuals from uploading subpar work to a preprint server?
There is no mechanism to stop this, but since your credibility for producing quality work is one of the most valued assets a researcher possesses, I wouldn’t advise it.
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