Preprint
Definition
A publicly available version of any type of scientific manuscript/research output preceding formal publication, considered a form of Green Open Access. Preprints are usually hosted on a repository (e.g. arXiv) that facilitates dissemination by sharing research results more quickly than through traditional publication. Preprint repositories typically provide persistent identifiers (e.g. DOIs) to preprints. Preprints can be published at any point during the research cycle, but are most commonly published upon submission (i.e., before peer-review). Accepted and peer-reviewed versions of articles are also often uploaded to preprint servers, and are called postprints.
References:
- Bourne, P. E., Polka, J. K., Vale, R. D., & Kiley, R. (2017). Ten simple rules to consider regarding preprint submission. PLoS Computational Biology, 13(5), e1005473. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005473
- Elmore, S. A. (2018). Preprints: What Role Do These Have in Communicating Scientific Results? Toxicologic Pathology, 46(4), 364–365. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623318767322
Originally drafted by: Mariella Paul
Reviewed by: Gisela H. Govaart, Helena Hartmann, Sam Parsons, Tobias Wingen, Flávio Azevedo
Suggest an improvement
Spotted an error, a broken link, or think this entry is missing something? Let us know — this goes directly to the glossary team.