Policies

Review Policy

The International Journal of Library Studies (IJLS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, quality, and transparency through a rigorous double-blind peer review process.

Each submitted manuscript is evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant area of Library and Information Science (LIS). The evaluation is based on key criteria such as originality, relevance to the field, research methodology, clarity of presentation, and overall contribution to knowledge in LIS and related interdisciplinary domains.

The review process ensures that only high-quality, scholarly, and ethically sound research is selected for publication. The identities of both authors and reviewers are kept confidential to maintain fairness and eliminate bias.

The average review timeline is 4–6 weeks, although this may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the manuscript. Authors are provided with constructive feedback to enhance the quality of their work. Manuscripts requiring revisions (minor or major) must be resubmitted within the stipulated time and may undergo further evaluation before final acceptance.

The final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief, based on reviewers’ recommendations and editorial judgment. IJLSA ensures a fair, unbiased, and timely review process to support the dissemination of quality research.

Plagiarism Policy

The International Journal of Library Studies (IJLS) follows a strict zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing.

All submitted manuscripts are screened using reliable plagiarism detection software such as Turnitin and DrillBit to ensure originality. Any manuscript with a similarity index exceeding the acceptable limit of 10–12% may be returned to the authors for revision or rejected outright, depending on the severity of overlap.

Plagiarism in any form including verbatim copying, improper paraphrasing, inadequate citation, and self-plagiarism is considered unethical and unacceptable. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their work is original and that all sources are properly acknowledged.

If plagiarism is detected at any stage of the publication process, including after publication, the journal reserves the right to take appropriate action, which may include rejection, retraction of the published article, and notification to the author’s institution.

IJLS is committed to promoting ethical research practices, transparency, and academic honesty in all its publications.

Journal Access Policy

The International Journal of Library Studies (IJLS) is an online scholarly journal in which all published articles are made available exclusively in digital format through the journal’s official platform. This ensures timely, global, and uninterrupted access to research content.

In addition to online access, copies of each issue may be distributed to authors, academic and research institutions, libraries, and individual subscribers where applicable. This approach supports the wider dissemination of scholarly work among librarians, information professionals, researchers, and students.

The journal follows an E-ISSN (Electronic International Standard Serial Number) model, which uniquely identifies the digital version of the journal and facilitates indexing, citation, and discoverability in electronic databases.

This access policy is designed to support higher education, research activities, and professional development in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). By ensuring reliable digital access and optional distribution, IJLS contributes to the preservation, accessibility, and long-term use of academic knowledge.