“Bibliotekarz Podlaski” adheres to the principles of publication ethics established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and does not tolerate any form of research misconduct or publication malpractice.

The journal is committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the editorial and publishing process.

Forms of Publication Malpractice

Publication malpractice includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Plagiarism

The use of another person’s ideas, data, text, results, or intellectual property without appropriate acknowledgment or citation.

Self-Plagiarism

The reuse of substantial portions of one’s own previously published work without proper disclosure, citation, or editorial approval.

Data Fabrication and Falsification

The invention, manipulation, alteration, or selective presentation of research data or results in a misleading manner.

Ghostwriting

The omission of an individual who made a substantial contribution to the research or manuscript from the list of authors.

Guest (Honorary) Authorship

The inclusion of an individual as an author despite the absence of a significant contribution to the work.

Citation Manipulation

The deliberate and inappropriate use of citations with the purpose of artificially increasing citation metrics for specific authors, journals, or publications.

Manipulation of the Peer Review Process

Any attempt to compromise the objectivity, independence, confidentiality, or integrity of the peer review process.

Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest

Failure to disclose financial, institutional, personal, or professional relationships that may influence the conduct, interpretation, review, or publication of research.

Procedures for Handling Allegations

When allegations of publication malpractice are received, the Editorial Board will:

1. conduct a preliminary assessment of the complaint;
2. contact the author(s) and request an explanation where appropriate;
3. seek additional documentation or evidence if necessary;
4. consult external experts or relevant institutions when required;
5. make decisions in accordance with COPE guidelines and best editorial practices.

Editorial Actions

Depending on the nature and severity of the misconduct, the Editorial Board may:

• reject a submitted manuscript;
  • request corrections or clarifications;
  • publish a correction or an Expression of Concern;
  • retract a published article;
  • notify the author’s affiliated institution or funding body;
  • impose restrictions on future submissions.

Confidentiality and Fairness

All allegations of misconduct will be handled confidentially, impartially, and fairly. The Editorial Board will ensure that all parties involved have an opportunity to present relevant information before a final decision is made.

This policy is based on the current recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE): https://publicationethics.org