PIXLS

Preprints are a relatively new method of making research findings available to other researchers prior to peer review and publication in an academic journal. Posting a paper as a preprint is the fastest way to share and disseminate results that other scientists may be able to benefit from. Preprints are hosted on a number of different servers, many of which are dedicated to specific areas of research. These servers tend to specialise in certain types of content or offer particular technical features. For example, Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary preprint platform, while bioRxiv is a repository that only hosts preprints from the life sciences. Yet, the vast majority of preprints have so far not appeared in traditional reference or search engines.

Run in collaboration with TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences, the PIXLS project developed a system to systematically access and index information on preprint servers that had previously been neglected and to make it more accessible through value-added services. This improves the discoverability and reusability of preprint full texts and metadata.

To achieve this goal, the PIXLS project team used an ‘information extraction pipeline’, a dedicated application that extracts structured information from the unstructured data contained in preprints, such as body text and numerical data. This structured information can be processed more effectively by databases. As a result, it can be reused in a greater variety of ways and is also easier for researchers to find.

The extracted data was compiled and consolidated in the ZB MED Knowledge Environment, a database previously developed by ZB MED. This data resource now provides the basis for developing value-added services and making them available to the research community. These could include linked open-data interfaces or innovative reputation and trend indicators. The data is also available through LIVIVO.

In accordance with the principles of open science, both the data and the technology are made available for reuse by the library and research community.