Paper Prints Policy

Paper Prints Policy for Frontiers in Agriculture

Frontiers in Agriculture is a fully open-access journal dedicated to ensuring the widespread dissemination of high-quality research in agricultural sciences. While our content is primarily available in digital format, we understand the importance of paper prints for certain uses, such as personal reference, institutional libraries, or academic conferences. This Paper Prints Policy outlines the guidelines for requesting and obtaining printed copies of articles published in the journal.

1. Digital-Only Publication

Frontiers in Agriculture is primarily a digital-only open-access journal. All content, including articles, figures, and supplementary material, is made freely available to readers online. Authors, institutions, and organizations are encouraged to utilize the digital version of the article, as it provides immediate access to the most current and accurate version of the research.

2. Availability of Printed Copies

Printed copies of published articles may be requested under the following circumstances:

  • Author Requests: Authors may request printed copies of their own published articles for personal or professional use.
  • Institutional Requests: Institutions, such as universities, libraries, and research organizations, may request printed copies of specific articles or volumes for their archives or to distribute to researchers.
  • Conference Requests: Articles may be printed for distribution at academic or industry conferences, upon prior approval.

3. Requesting Paper Prints

To request printed copies of an article or a set of articles, the following procedure must be followed:

  • Online Request Form: Requestors must fill out the paper print request form available on the journal’s website. The form will require details such as:

    • Title(s) of the article(s) being requested.
    • Number of copies needed.
    • Delivery address for the printed materials.
  • Print Costs: There may be a fee for printing and shipping. The cost will vary depending on factors such as the number of articles, number of copies, and the shipping destination. Fees will be clearly stated during the request process.

  • Processing Time: Once the request has been submitted and the payment (if applicable) has been processed, printing will typically take 5-7 business days. Shipping times will depend on the destination.

4. Copyright and Licensing Considerations

Printed copies of articles are provided under the same terms as the digital versions. As Frontiers in Agriculture is an open-access journal, authors retain the copyright to their work. However, all printed copies of articles must comply with the journal's Creative Commons license (CC BY) or other applicable licenses, depending on the specific article. These printed copies are for personal, educational, or research purposes and cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper authorization.

5. Limitations on Paper Prints

  • Article Availability: Not all articles may be available for printing due to factors such as outdated content, technical limitations, or author preference. In such cases, the journal will inform the requestor and offer alternatives where possible.
  • Environmental Considerations: In line with our sustainability goals, Frontiers in Agriculture encourages the use of digital copies over printed versions. We strive to reduce paper waste and support environmentally friendly practices.

6. Special Requests for Large Print Runs

For special requests involving large print runs (e.g., for distribution at conferences or for institutional libraries), requestors should contact the editorial office directly to discuss pricing, logistics, and any custom requirements. Bulk orders may qualify for discounts based on the volume requested.

7. Returns and Replacements

  • Damage during Shipping: If a printed copy arrives damaged or is lost in transit, requestors may contact the editorial office within 30 days to request a replacement. Any damage or issues must be reported promptly.
  • Non-returnable: Printed copies of articles are non-returnable unless there was an error in processing the order.

8. Future Policy Updates

Frontiers in Agriculture reserves the right to revise this Paper Prints Policy as necessary, based on changes in the publishing industry, environmental concerns, or user feedback. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to our authors, subscribers, and requestors in a timely manner.