Correction and Retraction Policy

1. Correction and Retraction Policy

The Journal of Progressive Innovation Library Service (JPILS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. If errors, ethical violations, or other concerns are identified in articles published by JPILS, the journal will assess the circumstances and take appropriate corrective action in accordance with accepted publication ethics standards and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the scholarly record remains transparent, reliable, and accessible to readers, researchers, library professionals, and other stakeholders.

A. Corrections (Erratum and Corrigendum)

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be corrected without invalidating the main findings or conclusions of the work.

Corrections may address, but are not limited to:

  1. Typographical, grammatical, or formatting errors that affect the clarity or accuracy of the article.
  2. Errors in author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, or funding information.
  3. Incorrect figures, tables, references, or other information that can be corrected without compromising the validity of the article's main findings.
  4. Other unintentional errors that require formal clarification or correction of the published record.

Requests for correction will be evaluated by the editorial team. Where appropriate, JPILS will publish a correction notice describing the error and the changes made. The original article will remain available, with a clear link to the correction notice.

B. Retraction

Retraction may be considered when serious concerns arise that substantially undermine the reliability, integrity, or ethical acceptability of a published article.

Grounds for retraction may include:

  1. Confirmed fabrication or falsification of data.
  2. Substantial plagiarism or unauthorized appropriation of another person's work.
  3. Duplicate or redundant publication that violates publication ethics.
  4. Serious errors or methodological problems that invalidate the main findings or conclusions.
  5. Unethical research practices or other serious violations of research integrity.
  6. Proven manipulation of the publication or peer-review process.
  7. Other circumstances in which retraction is necessary to correct the scholarly record.

Before making a retraction decision, JPILS will assess the available evidence and, where appropriate, seek clarification from the authors and relevant institutions. Decisions will be made in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policies and relevant COPE guidance.

A retraction notice will clearly identify the affected article and explain the reasons for retraction. Retracted articles will generally remain accessible to preserve the scholarly record, with a prominent retraction notice or watermark indicating “RETRACTED” and a clear link to the official retraction statement.

C. Editorial Process

When a potential error or ethical concern is reported, JPILS may take the following steps:

  1. Review the allegation and available supporting evidence.
  2. Contact the corresponding author or other relevant parties for clarification, where appropriate.
  3. Consult independent experts or the relevant institution when necessary.
  4. Determine whether a correction, retraction, expression of concern, or other editorial action is appropriate.
  5. Publish a transparent notice explaining the action taken and its justification.

All cases will be handled fairly and confidentially, with due consideration for the rights of authors and the interests of readers and the scholarly community.

D. Expression of Concern

If significant concerns arise regarding a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to make an immediate decision, JPILS may publish an Expression of Concern.

An expression of concern informs readers that an issue is under investigation. It may remain in place until the investigation is completed and a final editorial decision is made.

E. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are expected to notify the JPILS editorial team promptly if they discover a significant error in their published work or become aware of concerns regarding its integrity.

Authors must cooperate with editorial investigations and provide relevant information when requested. Where a correction or retraction is warranted, authors are expected to cooperate in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record.

F. Editorial Independence

Decisions concerning corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be based on the available evidence, the significance of the issue, and the need to maintain scholarly integrity. Such decisions must not be improperly influenced by personal relationships, institutional interests, or commercial considerations.

JPILS aims to handle all post-publication concerns transparently and consistently with accepted publication ethics principles.