Did You Ask for Citations? An Insight into Preprint Citations en route to Open Science

Abstract

This study investigates citation patterns between 2017 and 2020 for preprints published in three preprint servers, one specializing in biology (bioRxiv), one in chemistry (ChemRxiv), and another hosting preprints in all disciplines (Research Square). Showing evidence that preprints are now regularly cited in peer reviewed journal articles, books, and conference papers, the outcomes of this investigation further substantiate the value of open science also in relation to citation-based metrics on which the evaluation of scholarship continues to rely on. This analysis will be useful to inform new research-based education in today’s scholarly communication.

Reaping the benefits of open science in scholarly communication

“…For example, the 107,518 preprints posted at bioRxiv by the end of 2020 were cited 23,820 times. 27 Immediate publication allows authors to establish credit and priority for the new ideas, methods, and approaches disclosed by the preprint, providing "scoop protection". 28 This is especially important for young researchers and for scientists devising significant advances in their research field.…”

“…Are researchers hired and promoted based on citation-based metrics, regardless of numerous thoughtful pleas to reshape and expand the evaluation of scholarship? 39 Early and mid career scholars will therefore be pleased to learn that preprints are frequently cited, 27 and also enhance the number of citations of the study subsequently published in a peer-reviewed journal. 40 They will also welcome the fact that OA peer reviewed papers not only receive more citations and online (social media) attention than non-OA papers, but also that OA articles are accessed and downloaded for a much longer time when compared to non-OA papers.…”

Students’ Perceptions of Preprints Discovered in Google: A Window into Recognition And Evaluation

“…11 Pagliaro used the databases Scopus and Dimensions to study preprint citation patterns from three servers, amassing evidence that preprints are regularly cited in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and conference proceedings. 12 Students are using preprints in academic work as well. Flynn reported that preprints represented 4.6% of citations from an analysis of math and statistics dissertations.…”

Preprints in Chemistry: a Research Team's Journey**

“…Senior researchers, even in disciplines like chemistry whose research community has been reluctant to adopt preprints and OA publishing, [7] benefit from enhanced visibility and citations of preprinted research. Preprints indeed are regularly cited, [8] and vastly increase the visibility and the number of citations of the research articles subsequently published in comparison to research articles published in the same journal but not preprinted. [9] …”