FSP FAQs: Preprints
What preprints are, what preprint servers are, and requirements USGS authors must consider before submitting a manuscript to a preprint server. Includes information about preprint formatting restrictions, how to supersede a preprint with a final publication, and examples of preprint servers.
What is a USGS Bureau-approved preprint? [192]
A USGS-authored, peer reviewed, Bureau approved manuscript posted on a preprint server. [Read more]
What is a preprint server? [193]
An online repository where manuscripts are published, often preceding publication in another outlet. [Read more]
Are USGS scientists allowed to submit a Bureau-approved manuscript to a preprint server? [194]
Yes, USGS scientists are allowed to post Bureau-approved manuscripts to preprint servers, but use of preprint servers is subject to approval by supervisor and science center director. [Read more]
Beyond supervisor and science center director concurrence, what additional requirements must be considered before USGS authors can submit a manuscript to a preprint server? [195]
For manuscripts posted on preprint servers, preprint product type must be used in IPDS, USGS data must be publicly released, the preprint disclaimer must be added to the manuscript, and two USGS-initiated peer reviews and BAO approval must be obtained prior to submission to the preprint server. [Read more]
What considerations should authors keep in mind about preprints? [196]
USGS authored manuscripts posted on preprint servers must adhere to USGS policies, including compliance with Fundamental Science Practices, and must meet USGS standards for quality. [Read more]
What formatting restrictions should authors be aware of for preprints? [197]
Manuscripts posted on preprint servers must not include the USGS Visual Identity System identifier, cannot appear to be a USGS series information product and must include the preprint disclaimer. [Read more]
Can USGS Bureau-approved preprints be the final publication for releasing new, interpretive USGS information? [198]
No, preprints are preliminary, intended to precede final publication, and are generally cited as unpublished work. [Read more]
Can USGS Bureau-approved preprints be subsequently published as USGS series, cooperator publications or journal articles? [199]
Yes, Bureau-approved preprints may subsequently be published as superseding USGS series, cooperator publications, or journal articles. [Read more]
Is the process of product dissemination and cataloging in the Publications Warehouse for Bureau-approved preprints the same as it is for other USGS-authored IPDS product types (such as journal articles and cooperator publications)? [200]
Yes, USGS preprint manuscripts are documented in individual IPDS records, considered stand alone products, and cataloged in Publications Warehouse. [Read more]
What are some examples of preprint servers where USGS authors have posted their approved information products? [201]
USGS authors use a variety of preprint servers often depending on science discipline. [Read more]
What happens if there are both USGS and non-USGS authors affiliated with an information product, and the non-USGS co-author submits the information product to a preprint server before Bureau approval has been received? [202]
Publicly posting a manuscript without Bureau approval is a violation of Fundamental Science Practices. Such manuscript posted on a preprint server needs to be removed or replaced with a Bureau-approved version. [Read more]
Can a USGS co-author of a manuscript temporarily remove their name and USGS affiliation from a preprint with the intention of being added as an author when submitted for publication in another outlet? [203]
No, USGS author may not temporarily remove their name from a manuscript to post it on a preprint server or to bypass any other FSP requirement. [Read more]