Preprints and Scholarly Communication: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Adoption, Practices, Drivers and Barriers

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.19619.2
• Publication Date: 2019-11-25T12:15:07Z
• Authors: Andrea Chiarelli; Rob Johnson; Stephen Pinfield; Emma Richens
• Keywords: Open peer review; Exploratory research; Scholarly Communication

<ns3:p><ns3:bold>Background</ns3:bold>: Since 2013, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of preprint servers. Little is known about position researchers, funders, research performing organisations and other stakeholders with respect to this fast-paced landscape. In article, we explore perceived benefits challenges posting, alongside issues including infrastructure financial sustainability. We also discuss definition ‘preprint’ different communities, impact on uptake.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Methods</ns3:bold>: This study based 38 semi-structured interviews key stakeholders, purposive heterogeneous sampling approach undertaken between October 2018 January 2019. Interviewees were primarily drawn from biology, chemistry psychology, where use preprints growing. Interviews recorded, transcribed subjected thematic analysis identify trends. Interview questions designed Innovation Diffusion Theory, which was used interpret our results.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Results</ns3:bold>: Participants conscious rising prominence cited early fast dissemination as their most appealing feature. Preprints considered enable broader access scientific literature increased opportunities for informal commenting. The main concerns related lack quality assurance ‘Ingelfinger rule’. identified trust an essential factor highlight enabling role Twitter showcasing preprints.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Conclusions</ns3:bold>: landscape evolving fast, disciplinary communities are at stages innovation diffusion process. characterised by experimentation, leads conclusion that one-size-fits-all not feasible. Cooperation active engagement involved will play important going forward. share further development landscape, being whether posting develop publisher- or researcher-centric practice.</ns3:p>