The incorrect PDF version of an article was published together with the correct HTML, XML and EPUB versions. The variations between the PDF and other versions are language editing related, and do not affect the scientific value or scientific nature of the article.
Questions for COPE Council
- Given that two version of the article exists, should the journal retract the PDF and replace it with the updated version.?
- What other advice would you give?
Advice on this case is from a small number of COPE Council Members. Most cases on the COPE website are presented to the COPE Forum where advice is offered by a wider group of COPE Members and COPE Council Members. Advice on individual cases is not formal COPE guidance.
We would suggest that the journal replace the PDF with the correct version, accompanied by a note explaining the change that had been made and describing the differences. A Publisher's Note or a Correction would be sufficient. Since the other versions of the article were correct and the differences are minor, there do not appear to be grounds for retraction. In summary, it is necessary to ensure that the online, and hopefully the print, version of the article is corrected with an explanation of the difference between the corrected version and the originally published version.