Knowledge Exchange has issued a report of how preprints are viewed and used by researchers.
The research showed that there was different interpretations of what constituted a preprint (the submitted or peer reviewed version for example). However researchers liked the speed of communication which preprints offer although there are concerns about quality control and the lack of peer review.
The report suggests that we are reaching a peak of preprint initiatives and that there may be consolidation of preprint servers. It questions whether the future will be driven by publishers or by researchers. It also suggests that the development of preprint servers will have a direct effect on how journals evolve over time.
If you want to know more about preprints, and where to find out what’s happening with preprint servers, see the Research Preprints blog here.
Comments