PLOS

Definition

PLOS, or Public Library of Science, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for open access to scientific research and promotes the dissemination of research findings to the public without financial or legal barriers. By publishing a variety of scientific journals, PLOS aims to make research freely available and accessible, fostering collaboration and innovation across different fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PLOS launched its first journal, PLOS Biology, in 2003 and has since expanded to include multiple disciplines such as medicine, computational biology, and one focused specifically on global public health.
2. PLOS journals operate under a gold open access model, meaning that all articles are freely accessible immediately upon publication without subscription fees.
3. The organization uses article processing charges (APCs) to fund its operations, which are typically paid by the authors or their institutions upon acceptance of their work.
4. PLOS promotes transparency in research through initiatives such as open data and open methods, encouraging researchers to share their datasets and methodologies openly.
5. PLOS has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of academic publishing by challenging traditional subscription models and advocating for more equitable access to research.

Review Questions

• How does PLOS contribute to the movement toward open access publishing in the scientific community?
  • PLOS contributes significantly to the open access movement by providing a platform where research can be published without paywalls. Its commitment to making scientific knowledge freely accessible encourages researchers to share their findings widely, promoting transparency and collaboration. By operating multiple peer-reviewed journals that adhere to this model, PLOS has set a standard for other publishers and institutions in fostering a more inclusive approach to scientific communication.
• Evaluate the impact of article processing charges (APCs) on authors' decisions to publish in PLOS journals compared to traditional subscription-based journals.
  • Article processing charges (APCs) in PLOS journals can influence authors' publishing decisions by introducing a cost that may not be present in traditional subscription-based journals. While some researchers may find it beneficial to pay APCs for wider dissemination of their work, particularly if they have access to funding for publication costs, others may be deterred due to budget constraints. This shift towards APCs in open access publishing raises questions about equity in research dissemination, as not all researchers have equal access to funding sources.
• Discuss how PLOS has influenced broader changes in academic publishing and what future implications this might have for the accessibility of scientific knowledge.
  • PLOS has significantly influenced changes in academic publishing by advocating for open access and challenging traditional models that restrict access through subscriptions. Its success has encouraged other publishers to adopt similar practices, leading to a gradual shift toward more transparent and accessible models across various disciplines. The continued growth of open access initiatives may lead to a future where scientific knowledge is universally available, promoting equitable access to information that can drive innovation and improve public health outcomes globally.

Related terms

Open Access: A publishing model that allows free and unrestricted access to scholarly research, enabling anyone to read, download, and share research findings.

Peer Review: A process where academic work or research is evaluated by experts in the same field to ensure quality, credibility, and scholarly standards before publication.

Creative Commons: A licensing system that enables authors to specify how others can use their work, often allowing for sharing and adaptation while maintaining certain rights.