Crossmark by Crossref

Crossmark by Crossref

Crossmark by Crossref is a service designed to help readers verify the current status of scholarly content, such as journal articles, books, and conference papers. It provides a standardized way to check if a publication has been updated, corrected, or retracted, ensuring that users are accessing the most reliable and up-to-date version of the content. Below is a detailed explanation of Crossmark, its features, and how it works:

What is Crossmark?

Crossmark is a multi-publisher initiative by Crossref that allows readers to quickly determine the status of a document. By clicking the Crossmark button, users can access additional metadata about the publication, such as:

  • Updates: Corrections, retractions, or other significant changes.
  • Publication History: Key dates (submission, revision, acceptance).
  • Editorial Information: Peer review status, handling editors, and licensing details.
  • Linked Data: Clinical trial registrations, funding information, and author ORCID iDs .

How Does Crossmark Work?

  1. Crossmark Button:
    • Publishers embed the Crossmark button on their HTML pages and PDFs, typically near the title of the document.
    • The button is recognizable across platforms and provides a consistent way for readers to check the status of the content .
  2. Metadata Updates:
    • Publishers commit to updating Crossref’s metadata whenever significant changes (e.g., corrections, retractions) are made to the content.
    • These updates are reflected in the Crossmark dialog, which users can access by clicking the button  .
  3. Embedded in PDFs:
    • The Crossmark button can be embedded in PDFs, ensuring that readers who download the document can still access updates months or even years later  .

Key Features of Crossmark

  • Transparency: Provides clear information about the status of a document, including any updates or corrections.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on HTML pages, PDFs, and other digital formats.
  • Additional Metadata: Offers insights into the editorial process, such as peer review and funding details .
  • No Additional Fees: Crossref members can participate in Crossmark without extra costs  .

Types of Updates Supported

Crossmark supports 12 types of scholarly updates, including:

  • Corrections: Minor changes that do not affect the interpretation of the work.
  • Retractions: Significant changes that impact the credibility or interpretation of the work.
  • Addenda: Additional information or clarifications.
  • New Versions: Updated editions or versions of the content  .

How to Implement Crossmark

For publishers and journals, implementing Crossmark involves the following steps:

  1. Create an Update Policy:
    • Develop a policy explaining how updates (e.g., corrections, retractions) are handled and assign it a DOI  .
  2. Register Metadata:
    • Deposit Crossmark metadata with Crossref, including the update policy and any relevant updates to the content  .
  3. Add the Crossmark Button:
    • Embed the button on HTML pages and PDFs using the provided script or logo  .
  4. Maintain Content:
    • Promptly register any updates to ensure the Crossmark information remains accurate  .

Benefits of Crossmark

  • For Readers: Ensures access to the most current and reliable version of scholarly content.
  • For Publishers: Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of their publications.
  • For Researchers: Provides additional context about the publication process, such as peer review and funding details  .