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What does it mean when a publication is peer reviewed?

A peer-reviewed publication is also sometimes referred to as a scholarly publication. The peer-review process subjects an author's scholarly work, research, or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field (peers) and is considered necessary to ensure academic scientific quality. 

Learn more: Fundamental Science Practices: Peer Review

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Photo showing a variety of USGS publications

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted? Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. public domain and can be freely used without permission. All we ask is that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. While the content of most USGS webpages is in the U.S. public domain, not all information, illustrations, or photographs on our site are. Some non-USGS photographs, images, and/or graphics that appear on...

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. public domain and can be freely used without permission. All we ask is that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. While the content of most USGS webpages is in the U.S. public domain, not all information, illustrations, or photographs on our site are. Some non-USGS photographs, images, and/or graphics that appear on...

Learn More
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Update on U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices Update on U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) are a set of standard principles fundamental to how USGS conducts and carries out its science activities and how resulting information products and data are reviewed, approved, and released. These policies, practices, philosophical premises, and operational principles serve as the foundation for all USGS research and...
By
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program

History of U.S. Geological Survey scientific peer review and approval, 1879–2019 History of U.S. Geological Survey scientific peer review and approval, 1879–2019

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, has valued and used a scientific peer review and approval process since its creation in 1879. Bureau approval, formerly called Director’s approval, has been described in several USGS documents since 1900, and peer review has been codified in policy since 1959. Peer review of USGS manuscripts is...
Authors
Keith Kirk, Carolyn Reid, Sandra Cooper

U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices

The USGS has a long and proud tradition of objective, unbiased science in service to the Nation. A reputation for impartiality and excellence is one of our most important assets. To help preserve this vital asset, in 2004 the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of the USGS was charged by the Director to develop a set of fundamental science practices, philosophical premises, and operational...
Authors
By
Office of Science Quality and Integrity
USGS Increases Public Access to Scientific Research

USGS Increases Public Access to Scientific Research

The U.S. Geological Survey is implementing new measures that will improve public access to USGS-funded science as detailed in its new public access...
Read Article

Related

Photo showing a variety of USGS publications

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted? Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. public domain and can be freely used without permission. All we ask is that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. While the content of most USGS webpages is in the U.S. public domain, not all information, illustrations, or photographs on our site are. Some non-USGS photographs, images, and/or graphics that appear on...

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

Are USGS reports/publications copyrighted?

USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. public domain and can be freely used without permission. All we ask is that you acknowledge the USGS as the source. While the content of most USGS webpages is in the U.S. public domain, not all information, illustrations, or photographs on our site are. Some non-USGS photographs, images, and/or graphics that appear on...

Learn More
No results found.

Update on U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices Update on U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) are a set of standard principles fundamental to how USGS conducts and carries out its science activities and how resulting information products and data are reviewed, approved, and released. These policies, practices, philosophical premises, and operational principles serve as the foundation for all USGS research and...
By
Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program

History of U.S. Geological Survey scientific peer review and approval, 1879–2019 History of U.S. Geological Survey scientific peer review and approval, 1879–2019

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, has valued and used a scientific peer review and approval process since its creation in 1879. Bureau approval, formerly called Director’s approval, has been described in several USGS documents since 1900, and peer review has been codified in policy since 1959. Peer review of USGS manuscripts is...
Authors
Keith Kirk, Carolyn Reid, Sandra Cooper

U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices U.S. Geological Survey Fundamental Science Practices

The USGS has a long and proud tradition of objective, unbiased science in service to the Nation. A reputation for impartiality and excellence is one of our most important assets. To help preserve this vital asset, in 2004 the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of the USGS was charged by the Director to develop a set of fundamental science practices, philosophical premises, and operational...
Authors
By
Office of Science Quality and Integrity
USGS Increases Public Access to Scientific Research

USGS Increases Public Access to Scientific Research

The U.S. Geological Survey is implementing new measures that will improve public access to USGS-funded science as detailed in its new public access...
Read Article
Updated Date: March 23, 2023
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