Written by Arian Abdulla, PhD

What are preprints?

Preprints are defined as “a scholarly manuscript posted by the author(s) in an openly accessible platform, usually before or in parallel with the peer review process” (Committee on Publication Ethics [COPE], 2018). Preprints are a version of a scientific paper uploaded by the authors to a public server typically before published in a peer-review journal. Some preprints may not end up published in a journal, as authors may choose not to pursue this additional step.

What are the benefits of publishing your work in preprints?

Sharing research finding via preprint platforms has numerous advantages such as increase openness and accessibility of scientific findings; high visibility of research can increase citation and readership; increase the speed of dissemination of knowledge; rapid dissemination of scientific discoveries addresses the delay between submission and publication; establish priority of new ideas; enhance collaboration among researchers and facilitate proactive sharing.

However, one has to consider some disadvantages such as that preprint dissemination has not been through a formal peer-review process. In addition, some journals may not accept the research findings if they are published as a preprint.

Preprints Platforms by Discipline

Preprints platforms allow authors to upload, and disseminate their preprints. Most platforms disseminate research works as open access and do not charge any fees for either authors or readers for using their service. Below are the most common preprint platforms by discipline:

How do I publish a preprint?

Instructions for submission are on each preprint platform website. However, before submitting your preprint ask yourself what is the goal of my publication, and what journal will my work be published in? Check the journal you plan to submit your manuscript to using SHERPA/RoMEO and always double-check the policies on the journal website.

Other Open Access Week presentations and events:

Many thanks to our contributors:

• Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, UVA Health
  • Arian Abdula, Ph.D. Biomedical Information Specialist
  • Kimberley Barker, MLIS Librarian for Digital Life
  • Lucy Carr Jones, MSIS, Library Assistant
• University of Virginia Library
  • Brandon Butler, JD Director, Information Policy
  • Sherry Lake, MLS Scholarly Repository Librarian
  • Hanni Nabahe, MLS Research Librarian and OER Specialist
  • Judy Thomas, MLS Director of Faculty Programs