About the Journal

Peer Review Process

Overview     

UDSMLJ editorial and peer review processes involve meticulous and transparent processes. Editorial and peer review processes include different stages where different individuals participate   in the processes. These stages are: manuscript submission; Preliminary editorial screening; Peer review; Editorial decision.

Manuscript Submission      

All manuscripts are submitted by corresponding authors through Open Journal System (OJS) platform. The submitted manuscripts will automatically be assigned manuscript ID number for reference or tracking purposes.

Preliminary Editorial Screening

In the preliminary editorial screening, members of the editorial committee review the submissions including the cover letters, cover pages, and main documents to ascertain whether the manuscripts have meet minimum requirements for peer review. Specifically, the initial editorial screening establishes if the manuscripts fall within the journal's aims and scope. In situation where the submitted manuscript do not fall within journals’ readership scope, the manuscripts may be referred to another journal, or rejected.

Peer Review

After passing the initial editorial screening stage, manuscripts are sent to the reviewers for double blind review. The review process is rigorous, and anonymous where two to three anonymous reviewers evaluate the quality and credibility of the manuscripts before giving verdicts. The reviewers will evaluate the papers and submit their reports to the editor. The peer-review is done by researchers and scholars who are experts in Library and information Science and allied subjects. The reviewers’ verdict will essentially fall under one of five recommendations: acceptance without any changes (this is a rare case); acceptance with minor revisions; accept with major revision; resubmission and re-sending to the reviewers, or reject the manuscripts. Reviewers who agree to review the manuscripts are required to provide credible review reports that will improve the quality and readability of the manuscripts; and maintain professionalism. Reviewers are expected to submit their review reports within two weeks from date of acceptance. The Chief Editor of the UDSMLJ has the final say on the acceptance or rejection of the manuscripts. 

Revision

When decisions on the manuscripts involve minor or major revisions, authors of the manuscripts will be required to revise the articles within specified time as indicated by Chief Editor or Assistant Editor. When decisions on the manuscripts direct authors to “resubmit” their manuscripts, Editors will resend the manuscripts to reviewers to review and check if the comments provided have been effected as directed.

Production

Once all editorial processes have been completed, the manuscripts will be sent to the journal administrator who is in-charge of publication on online version and production of print version. Prior to the publication and production, the manuscripts will undergo typesetting, formatting and creative designing.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.