Chtena, N. orcid.org/0009-0006-3586-5372, Alperin, J.P. orcid.org/0000-0002-9344-7439, Pinfield, S. orcid.org/0000-0003-4696-764X et al. (2 more authors) (2025) Preprint servers and journals: rivals or allies? Journal of Documentation. ISSN 0022-0418
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the evolving role of preprint servers within the scholarly communication system, focusing on their relationship with peer-reviewed journals. As preprints become more common, questioning and understanding their future role is critical for maintaining a healthy scholarly communication ecosystem. By examining the values, concerns and goals of preprint server managers, this study highlights the significant influence these individuals have in shaping the future of preprints.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, interview-based approach was used to gather insights from preprint server managers on their roles, challenges and visions for the future of preprints within the broader scholarly communication system.
Findings
The findings point to a lack of consensus on how preprint servers and journals should interact and to diverging views on how the certification and curation functions are best performed and by whom. Concerns about credibility and long-term financial sustainability are increasingly driving independent and community-run preprint servers to align more closely with journals, potentially undermining the disruptive and emancipatory potential of preprints.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine the relationship between preprints and journals from the perspective of preprint server managers in the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It sheds light on how preprint servers are navigating external pressures and market dynamics, how they are seeking to establish credibility and trust, and how, in doing so, they are reshaping the core functions of scholarly communication.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 The Authors. Except as otherwise noted, this author-accepted version of a journal article published in Journal of Documentation is made available via the University of Sheffield Research Publications and Copyright Policy under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
Keywords: | Preprints; Preprint server; Journals; Overlay journals; Open access; Scholarly communication; Interviews |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 495515545 Arts and Humanities Research Council AH/X001415/1 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 26 Feb 2025 10:29 |
Last Modified: | 26 Feb 2025 10:33 |
Status: | Published online |
Publisher: | Emerald |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/jd-09-2024-0215 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:223792 |
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Filename: Preprint servers and journals rivals allies AAM 20250225.pdf
Licence: CC-BY 4.0