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How are disputes or disagreements concerning authorship handled? [035]

Coauthors must make every effort to resolve authorship-related disputes or disagreements among themselves. If disputes or disagreements cannot be resolved among the coauthors, USGS employees should consult their supervisory/management organizational alignment up to the Regional Director or Associate Director for assistance. [Read more]

Coauthors must make every effort to resolve authorship-related disputes or disagreements among themselves. Authorship disputes may include (1) order of authorship, (2) individuals who claim to merit authorship but have been omitted and (3) individuals who have been included as authors but have not contributed substantially to the work to be published. If disputes or disagreements cannot be resolved among the coauthors, USGS employees should consult their supervisory/management organizational alignment up to the Regional Director or Associate Director for assistance. If assistance is needed beyond these efforts, authors and managers may refer to the additional guidance as described in FAQ 036 or the contacts listed on the USGS Scientific Integrity website.