Mapping the preprint review metadata transfer workflows

Several preprint review communities have emerged in the life sciences in recent years. They have adopted different approaches to create and share preprint review information. New preprint review initiatives need to understand the benefits and challenges of the current technical solutions to store and transfer review metadata. This requires a clear overview of the various workflows that exist in this space. This publication maps out the preprint review metadata transfer ecosystem within the life sciences. Here we describe six illustrative workflows, as well as protocols, schemas and frameworks used for preprint review metadata transfer. For each workflow we highlight benefits and challenges faced by the preprint review services. Finally, we offer a summary of factors to consider when selecting a metadata workflow. This includes technical needs, costs, maintenance and sustainability, discoverability, and linking between preprints and reviews. We recommend that new preprint review groups adopt one of the existing workflows and encourage them to participate in community efforts to evolve and improve current standards. We believe this will support interoperability and bolster the development of new tools for preprint review.