Research Paper Sharing: A Complete Guide for Academics
Master the art of sharing research papers ethically and effectively. Learn about open access, copyright considerations, platforms, and best practices for academic paper sharing.
Prof. David Chen
Research Ethics & Open Access Expert
Sharing research papers is fundamental to academic progress, but it must be done responsibly. With the rise of open access and digital platforms, researchers now have unprecedented opportunities to disseminate their work. However, copyright laws, publisher policies, and ethical considerations create a complex landscape that requires careful navigation.
Based on my experience as a research ethics consultant and having reviewed thousands of sharing requests, I've developed this comprehensive guide to help researchers share their work effectively while respecting intellectual property rights and maximizing impact.
Effective Methods for Sharing Research Papers
Free, permanent access to research papers through institutional or subject repositories.
Popular Platforms:
- arXiv
- bioRxiv
- SSRN
- Zenodo
Best For:
Preprints, working papers, and open access publications
Key Considerations:
No copyright restrictions, immediate availability
Share papers with professional networks and get feedback from peers.
Popular Platforms:
- ResearchGate
- Academia.edu
- AcadeX
Best For:
Building networks, getting citations, peer feedback
Key Considerations:
Copyright compliance required, networking benefits
University or research institution managed repositories for their researchers.
Popular Platforms:
- DSpace
- EPrints
- Institutional websites
Best For:
University researchers, long-term preservation
Key Considerations:
Institution-specific, often requires approval
Direct sharing through personal academic websites or blogs.
Popular Platforms:
- Personal websites
- Academic blogs
- LinkedIn articles
Best For:
Direct audience reach, personal branding
Key Considerations:
Requires website maintenance, SEO optimization
Copyright Considerations by Paper Type
Important Rules:
- Check publisher's copyright policy before sharing
- Use official sharing links when available
- Respect embargo periods for subscription journals
- Consider requesting waivers for specific uses
Safe Sharing Options:
- Author's accepted manuscript
- Official publisher links
- Open access versions
Important Rules:
- Preprints are not peer-reviewed
- Can be shared freely before publication
- May need to be updated after peer review
- Cite as preprint when sharing
Safe Sharing Options:
- arXiv
- bioRxiv
- Research Square
- All preprint servers
Important Rules:
- Working papers are preliminary
- Can be shared with attribution
- Include version numbers and dates
- State that it's a working paper
Safe Sharing Options:
- SSRN
- RePEc
- Personal websites
- Institutional repositories
Best Practices for Paper Sharing
Never assume you can share a paper - always verify copyright permissions first.
Key Tips:
- Use SHERPA/RoMEO database
- Check publisher's website
- Contact copyright holder if unclear
- Document your verification process
Give credit where credit is due and follow proper citation practices.
Key Tips:
- Include complete bibliographic information
- Link to original source when possible
- Cite preprint status when applicable
- Acknowledge co-authors appropriately
Different platforms serve different purposes and audiences.
Key Tips:
- Use arXiv for physics, math, computer science
- Use bioRxiv for life sciences
- Use SSRN for social sciences and law
- Use ResearchGate for broad academic networking
Sharing is about starting conversations, not just distribution.
Key Tips:
- Respond to comments and questions
- Acknowledge citations and shares
- Collaborate with interested researchers
- Track engagement and impact
Platform-Specific Sharing Guide
Key Features:
- Free access
- Version control
- Endorsement system
- Broad visibility
Sharing Tips:
- Get endorsement from established researcher
- Use appropriate subject categories
- Update versions as needed
Key Features:
- Free preprints
- Linked to peer review
- DOI assignment
- Journal transfer
Sharing Tips:
- Follow submission guidelines
- Choose correct subject area
- Link to published version later
Key Features:
- Abstract database
- Download statistics
- Email alerts
- Working papers
Sharing Tips:
- Write compelling abstracts
- Use relevant subject categories
- Monitor download metrics
Key Features:
- Professional networking
- Full-text sharing
- Citation tracking
- Collaboration tools
Sharing Tips:
- Share only copyright-compliant versions
- Engage with comments
- Use private sharing for restricted papers
Key Features:
- Easy uploading
- Download tracking
- Research interests
- Recommendations
Sharing Tips:
- Complete your profile
- Use tags effectively
- Share diverse content types
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Important Legal Reminders
- • Copyright law protects published works for the author's lifetime plus 70 years
- • Publishers typically require copyright transfer upon publication
- • Fair use exceptions are limited and don't apply to systematic sharing
- • Institutional policies may restrict sharing of certain research
- • International researchers must consider laws in multiple jurisdictions
- Respect intellectual property rights
- Give proper attribution
- Avoid misleading claims about work status
- Consider the impact on journal subscriptions
- Increase research visibility and citations
- Facilitate collaboration and feedback
- Accelerate scientific progress
- Support early-career researchers
Getting Started: Your Paper Sharing Checklist
Determine Paper Type and Copyright Status
Check if it's published, a preprint, or working paper, and review copyright permissions.
Choose Appropriate Platforms
Select platforms that match your field and sharing goals (visibility, networking, preservation).
Prepare Your Paper for Sharing
Ensure proper formatting, complete metadata, and appropriate version labeling.
Share and Engage
Upload to chosen platforms, promote through networks, and respond to feedback.
Monitor and Update
Track downloads, citations, and feedback. Update with newer versions as available.
Ready to Share Your Research?
Join AcadeX to connect with researchers, share your work responsibly, and build your academic network. Our platform makes it easy to share papers while respecting copyright and maximizing impact.