How does Scholar9 handle reviewer anonymity in a transparent peer review system?

Managing Reviewer Anonymity in Scholar9’s Transparent Peer Review System

Scholar9 balances transparency with reviewer confidentiality by offering flexible anonymity options. This ensures that reviewers can choose their level of disclosure while maintaining the integrity and openness of the peer review process.

1. Reviewer Anonymity Options in Scholar9

2. How Scholar9 Ensures Fair and Secure Anonymity Management

• Reviewer Choice: Reviewers can select their preferred anonymity level when accepting an assignment.
• Editor Discretion: Editors can enforce specific anonymity settings based on journal policies.
• Conflict of Interest Checks: Scholar9, integrated with OJSCloud, flags potential COIs to prevent biased reviews, regardless of anonymity status.

3. Impact on the Review Process

• Encourages Honest Feedback: Anonymous reviewers feel safer providing critical evaluations.
• Enhances Accountability: Open reviews ensure reviewers provide well-reasoned, professional critiques.
• Supports Reviewer Recognition: Those opting for transparency can link reviews to ORCID and Publons, gaining academic credit.

Conclusion

Scholar9 provides flexible anonymity options, allowing reviewers to choose their preferred level of disclosure while maintaining transparency and fairness. Integrated with OJSCloud, the system ensures an ethical, accountable, and efficient peer review process that benefits both authors and reviewers.