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Can USGS Bureau-approved preprints be the final publication for releasing new, interpretive USGS information? [198]

By Office of Science Quality and Integrity

No, preprints are preliminary, intended to precede final publication, and are generally cited as unpublished work. [Read more] 

No. Manuscripts posted to preprint servers may not serve as the final information product. Preprints are considered preliminary and are generally cited as unpublished work by the scientific, academic, and publishing communities. Preprints are intended to be superseded by a final publication, such as a journal article, USGS series publication, or cooperator publication. The superseding final publication must have a separate IPDS record and if substantive changes have been made, additional peer review and Bureau approval may be needed.