Crossmark Policy

The International Journal of Research in STEM Education (IJRSE) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, transparency, and currency of the scholarly record. As part of this commitment, IJRSE uses Crossmark, a service provided by Crossref, to help readers identify the current status of published content and determine whether an article has been updated, corrected, or otherwise amended after publication.

By applying the Crossmark button to its published content, IJRSE commits to maintaining the publication record and informing readers of significant changes whenever they occur.

1. What is Crossmark?

Crossmark is a scholarly publishing service developed by Crossref that enables readers to identify the current status of a published document.

When available on an IJRSE article, the Crossmark button provides access to information about the publication and indicates whether the content is current or whether an update, correction, retraction, or other post-publication action has been registered.

Crossmark supports transparency by helping readers identify and access the current status of the scholarly record.

2. IJRSE's Commitment to Content Integrity

IJRSE considers published articles to form part of the permanent scholarly record. The journal therefore seeks to ensure that significant post-publication changes are made transparently and remain traceable.

IJRSE does not make substantive changes to published scholarly content without appropriate documentation. When an article requires correction, retraction, an Expression of Concern, or another significant post-publication update, the journal will issue and link the appropriate notice in accordance with its editorial policies.

The Crossmark record will be updated where applicable to reflect such changes.

3. Content Covered by Crossmark

Crossmark may be applied to scholarly content published by IJRSE for which Crossmark metadata are registered with Crossref.

The availability of a Crossmark button indicates that IJRSE has undertaken to maintain information concerning the status of that content. The absence of a Crossmark button on older or other journal content does not, by itself, affect the validity of the publication.

4. Updates to Published Content

IJRSE distinguishes between minor changes that do not affect the scholarly meaning of an article and substantive changes that require a formal post-publication notice.

Formal updates may include:

  • Correction — issued when an error or omission affects the accuracy or interpretation of part of an article but does not invalidate its principal findings or conclusions;

  • Expression of Concern — issued when serious unresolved concerns exist regarding the integrity or reliability of a published article;

  • Retraction — issued when an article is determined to be unreliable or seriously compromised and should no longer be regarded as a reliable part of the scholarly literature; and

  • Other Post-Publication Updates — issued when another documented change to the scholarly record is required.

Where applicable, these updates will be linked to the original publication and reflected through Crossmark metadata.

5. Corrections

When a significant error is identified after publication, IJRSE may publish a formal correction.

The correction notice will identify the article concerned, explain the nature of the correction, and be linked to the original article. Where appropriate, the Crossmark record will indicate that an update has been made.

Minor typographical, formatting, or production errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation, or integrity of the article may be corrected at the journal's editorial discretion without requiring a formal correction notice.

6. Retractions and Expressions of Concern

When serious concerns arise regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article, IJRSE may issue an Expression of Concern or Retraction in accordance with the journal's post-publication and research integrity policies.

A retracted article will ordinarily remain accessible as part of the scholarly record but will be clearly identified as retracted and linked to its Retraction Notice.

Where applicable, its Crossmark status will be updated so that readers can readily identify the change in publication status.

7. Removal of Content

Removal of published scholarly content is considered an exceptional measure and is distinct from retraction.

IJRSE may consider removal only in extraordinary circumstances, such as serious legal concerns, unlawful disclosure of confidential or private information, or other substantial harm that cannot appropriately be addressed through correction, retraction, or another post-publication notice.

Where removal is necessary, the journal will seek to preserve appropriate bibliographic information and a transparent record of the action whenever legally and ethically possible.

8. Version of Record and Transparency

IJRSE seeks to preserve the integrity of the Version of Record of each published article.

Substantive changes will not be made silently. Where a published article requires a significant amendment, the nature and date of the change will be documented through an appropriate notice and linked to the original publication.

Crossmark provides readers with an additional mechanism for identifying whether the publication record has subsequently been updated.

9. Relationship with Other IJRSE Policies

The Crossmark Policy operates in conjunction with IJRSE's policies on:

  • Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Updates;

  • Allegations of Misconduct;

  • Plagiarism and Similarity Screening; and

  • other applicable publication ethics and editorial policies.

Crossmark does not replace these editorial procedures. Rather, it provides a mechanism for communicating the status of published content and its documented updates to readers.

10. Commitment to the Scholarly Record

Through the use of Crossmark, IJRSE demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a scholarly record that is current, traceable, transparent, and reliable.

Readers are encouraged to use the Crossmark button displayed on published content to verify its current status and identify any updates associated with the publication.