Trends in Preprint, Data, and Code Sharing, 2019-2022 (PLOS Releases the Latest Open Science Indicators Dataset)

From the Public Library of Science:

PLOS recently introduced Open Science Indicators (OSIs), a large public dataset identifying and quantifying Open Science practices like preprint posting, data sharing and code sharing in PLOS articles, as well as a selection of comparator articles published elsewhere. Now, we are delighted to release another six months of data from the second half of 2022, providing a new view of Open Science practices by researchers, over four years. The latest results continue to show incremental growth in all three areas. Read on for more details on the project, detailed numbers, and a closer look at preprints.

[Clip]

To complement the summary of data- and code-sharing results that accompanied our first data release, here we take a more in-depth look at preprint posting.

While the proporti on of published articles with an associated preprint remained the same across 2021 and 2022, if we look at preprint habits based on the date the preprint was posted, rather than the date the associated article was published, a different pattern emerges. For PLOS articles, 57% more preprints were posted in Q2 2020 compared to the previous quarter, likely in part in response to the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Since then, rates have gradually normalized until, by Q4 2021, they were slightly above pre-pandemic levels, in keeping with the gradual upward trend observed in prior years. Comparator data sees a less marked pandemic increase and levels remain more stable throughout 2021 (although this is a much smaller sample size). Future iterations of the dataset will provide greater clarity on the ongoing trends for preprints.

Learn More, Read the Complete Report, View Charts (1041 words)

Download the Dataset

Filed under: Data Files, Libraries, News, Open Access, PLOS, Public Libraries