FSP FAQs: Publication Approval
Fundamental Science Practices for approval of information products, including approving officials for each product type, documents required for the Information Product Data System, policy and editorial issues that delay/prevent approval, provisional and final data and software review, approval and citation, digital repositories, digital object identifiers, dissemination, and the dark archive.
What can USGS authors do to facilitate QSQI BAO review and approval of cooperator publications that contain new interpretive information? [189]
Ensure the manuscript meets USGS standards for scientific quality, review, and approval in the USGS Information Product Data System (IPDS): at least 2 USGS-initiated rigorous peer reviews are obtained and reconciled; Bureau approval and final editing occur before the manuscript is in page proofs; the publishing and distribution location for the final publication are identified. [Read more]
Which reports of project progress are subject to FSP review and approval requirements? [159]
FSP review and approval of project progress depends on the content (new and interpretive findings versus noninterpretive or previously published information) and intended distribution of the report. [Read more]
A journal requests that a USGS scientist contribute to a “book review”—what are the FSP review and approval requirements? [169]
The intent of the book review is to address the content, not advance the notion of purchase. Book reviews are, by definition, new interpretive content. As for other new interpretive science information, two peer reviews are required and Bureau approval by a BAO is required for the book review prior to it being submitted to the journal for publication. [Read more]
What is the review and approval process for news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces? [058]
News releases, opinion pieces (commonly called op-eds), and letters to the editor are under the purview of the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) and are governed by review, approval and release processes as detailed in SM 500.5. Refer to delegated Bureau approval authority for additional information about approval of scientific news media products. [Read more]
What requirements apply to USGS data made available in non-USGS acceptable digital repositories? [056]
For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]
What are the approval requirements for USGS scientific software releases? [078]
USGS scientific software releases are approved by the Science Center Director, the authoritative copy is maintained on a USGS hosting platform (e.g. code.usgs.gov). Nonauthoritative copies can be shared on externally hosted platforms but the DOI must point to the USGS hosting platform. [Read more]
When is USGS scientific software ready for approval and public release? [077]
Scientific software is ready for approval and public release when a version of the software is no longer under development, includes the appropriate documentation, and has been reviewed in accordance with IM OSQI 2019-01 requirements. [Read more]
What is the difference between approved and provisional software? [076]
In contrast to approved software, provisional or preliminary scientific software is subject to change and is not approved as a USGS information product but may be shared informally through a publicly accessible code repository following Science Center approval. [Read more]
If a Bureau-approved manuscript is rejected for publication by one journal and is then submitted to another journal, does the manuscript have to go back to the BAO for approval? [075]
Not necessarily. The author may resubmit the Bureau-approved manuscript to another journal. However, if substantial revisions are made in response to subsequent reviews, the IP could require further BAO review and approval. [Read more]
How can authors manage the timing of Bureau approval to meet journal acceptance processes? [074]
Bureau approval of USGS-authored products being published in journals occurs after the authors have reconciled the peer-review comments but before the products are sent back to the journals for acceptance. [Read more]
What information must be in IPDS for a publication under review, relevant to data/software to allow bureau approval from a BAO? [073]
The IPDS record of the manuscript must contain the IP number and DOI of the accompanying data/software release. [Read more]
Where can I find information specifically related to the approval requirements for USGS scientific information products? [071]
Information related to obtaining Bureau approval for USGS science information products is found in SM 502.4 and who has the authority to approve is found in SM 205.18. A table summarizing these requirements and short FSP training modules are available. [Read more]