Editorial Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Scope and Aims

Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies is dedicated to publishing high-quality research that addresses complex global challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. We aim to advance scholarly understanding by integrating diverse academic perspectives, fostering collaboration among researchers, and contributing to societal progress.

Peer Review Process

Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies employs a double-blind peer review process to ensure impartiality and maintain high academic standards. Here’s a detailed outline of our peer review process:

1. Initial Manuscript Evaluation:
   • Upon submission, manuscripts are initially assessed by the editorial team for relevance to the journal’s scope and adherence to submission guidelines.
   • Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria are returned to the authors with feedback for revision or rejected outright.
2. Reviewer Selection:
   • Manuscripts that pass the initial evaluation are sent to at least two external reviewers who are experts in the relevant field.
   • Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, previous reviewing experience, and lack of conflicts of interest.
3. Review Criteria:
   • Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on criteria including originality, methodological rigor, significance of the findings, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field.
   • Reviewers provide detailed comments and recommendations, which may include acceptance, minor revisions, major revisions, or rejection.
4. Editorial Decision:
   • The editorial team considers the reviewers’ comments and recommendations to make a final decision.
   • Decisions include: accept, accept with minor revisions, revise and resubmit, or reject.
   • For manuscripts requiring revisions, authors are given a specified timeframe to resubmit the revised manuscript.
5. Revision Process:
   • Revised manuscripts undergo further review by the original reviewers or additional reviewers if necessary.
   • The editorial team makes the final decision based on the revised manuscript and reviewer feedback.
6. Final Acceptance:
   • Accepted manuscripts are copyedited for language, formatting, and adherence to journal style.
   • Authors are given a final opportunity to review the proofs before publication.

Editorial Board

The editorial board of the Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies comprises esteemed scholars and experts from various disciplines. Their primary roles and responsibilities include:

1. Roles:
   • Editor-in-Chief: Provides overall leadership, sets journal policies, and makes final decisions on manuscript acceptance.
   • Associate Editors: Manage the peer review process, recommend reviewers, and make initial decisions on manuscripts.
   • Editorial Board Members: Advise on journal policy, contribute to strategic planning, and assist in manuscript review.
2. Selection Criteria:
   • Editorial board members are selected based on their academic credentials, research contributions, and commitment to interdisciplinary research.
   • Members should have a strong publication record, experience in peer review, and the ability to provide constructive feedback.
3. Responsibilities:
   • Ensure the integrity and quality of the review process.
   • Promote the journal within their academic and professional networks.
   • Contribute to the strategic development and direction of the journal.
   • Uphold the highest standards of academic and ethical integrity.
4. Term and Renewal:
   • Editorial board members serve a term of three years, which can be renewed based on their performance and contribution to the journal.
5. Conflict of Interest:
   • Editorial board members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decision-making where such conflicts exist.

Appeals and Complaints

The Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies has a formal process for handling appeals and complaints to ensure fairness and transparency.

1. Appeals:
   • Authors who wish to appeal a decision must submit a detailed written explanation, addressing the reviewers’ comments and providing a rationale for reconsideration.
   • Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and, if necessary, additional external reviewers.
   • The decision on the appeal is final and communicated to the author in a timely manner.
2. Complaints:
   • Complaints regarding the editorial process, reviewer conduct, or ethical issues should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief.
   • Complaints are investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action is taken to resolve the issue.
   • Complainants are informed of the outcome and any corrective measures implemented.

Submission Policies for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Author Guidelines

1. Manuscript Preparation:

• Title Page: Include the title of the manuscript, author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, and any acknowledgments or funding sources.
• Abstract: Provide a concise summary of the manuscript (200-300 words), highlighting the key objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Keywords: List 3-5 keywords that capture the main topics of the manuscript.
• Main Text: Organize the main text into sections, including Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.
• References: Use APA 7th edition style for references. Ensure all references are cited in the text and listed alphabetically at the end.
• Figures and Tables: Number figures and tables consecutively and include captions. Ensure that figures and tables are referenced in the text.
• Supplementary Materials: If applicable, provide any additional data, code, or multimedia files as supplementary materials.

2. Formatting Requirements:

• Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise English.
• Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Manuscripts should be submitted as a single Microsoft Word or PDF document.
• Follow the journal’s citation style and formatting guidelines strictly.

3. Types of Articles:

• Original Research Articles: Full-length papers presenting new and original findings.
• Literature Reviews: Comprehensive reviews of the literature on specific topics.
• Theoretical Essays: Articles that provide new theoretical insights or propose new frameworks.
• Case Studies: Detailed analyses of specific cases, highlighting unique findings and implications.
• Commentaries: Short articles providing perspectives or critiques on recent developments in the field.

Submission Requirements

1. Cover Letter:

• Addressed to the Editor-in-Chief, the cover letter should include the title of the manuscript, a brief description of its significance, and a statement confirming that the manuscript has not been published or submitted elsewhere.

2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation. This includes financial, personal, or professional affiliations that may be perceived as a conflict.

3. Data Availability Statement:

• Authors are encouraged to share the data underlying their research. Provide a statement on where and how the data can be accessed, including any restrictions or conditions for access.

4. Ethical Compliance:

• Manuscripts involving human or animal subjects must include a statement confirming that ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional review board or ethics committee.
• Authors should also confirm compliance with all applicable ethical guidelines and regulations.

5. Copyright and Licensing:

• Authors must agree to the journal’s copyright and licensing terms upon submission. This includes granting the journal the right to publish the manuscript under a specified open access license, if applicable.

6. Plagiarism Check:

• All submissions will be checked for plagiarism using appropriate software. Manuscripts found to contain significant levels of plagiarism will be rejected immediately.

7. Submission Process:

• Manuscripts should be submitted electronically through the journal’s online submission system.
• Ensure that all required documents (manuscript, cover letter, conflict of interest disclosure, data availability statement) are included in the submission.

Research Ethics

1. Ethical Conduct:

• Authors are expected to conduct their research in accordance with the highest ethical standards. This includes obtaining necessary approvals from institutional review boards or ethics committees.
• Research involving human subjects must adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki and obtain informed consent from participants.
• Research involving animals must follow relevant national and international guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals, ensuring that all procedures minimize harm and distress.

2. Human Subjects:

• Manuscripts reporting studies involving human subjects must include a statement confirming that ethical approval was obtained and that participants provided informed consent.
• Authors should describe the measures taken to protect participants’ privacy and confidentiality.

3. Animal Subjects:

• Manuscripts reporting studies involving animal subjects must include a statement confirming that ethical approval was obtained from the relevant ethics committee.
• Authors should describe the care and use of animals in detail, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

4. Ethical Misconduct:

• Any suspected ethical misconduct, including data fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, will be thoroughly investigated. Appropriate actions, such as retraction of the manuscript or reporting to the authors’ institutions, will be taken if misconduct is confirmed.

Publication Ethics

1. Plagiarism:

• The journal has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. All manuscripts will be screened for plagiarism using appropriate software.
• Authors must ensure that their work is original and properly cite all sources. Any instances of plagiarism will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript.

2. Fabrication and Falsification:

• Authors must ensure the accuracy of their data and findings. Fabrication (making up data) and falsification (manipulating research data) are serious ethical violations.
• Manuscripts found to contain fabricated or falsified data will be rejected, and authors may be reported to their institutions.

3. Redundant Publication:

• Authors must avoid redundant publication, which involves publishing the same or substantially similar work in multiple journals.
• Manuscripts should be submitted exclusively to the Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies and must not be under consideration elsewhere.

4. Authorship:

• All authors listed on a manuscript must have made significant contributions to the research and approved the final version of the manuscript.
• Any changes to authorship after submission must be approved by all authors and justified to the editorial team.

5. Acknowledgments:

• Authors should acknowledge individuals or organizations that provided significant contributions or support to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship.
• Funding sources must be disclosed in the acknowledgments section.

Conflicts of Interest

1. Author Disclosure:

• Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of their research. This includes financial, personal, or professional affiliations.
• A conflict of interest statement must be included in the manuscript.

2. Reviewer Disclosure:

• Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect their objectivity in reviewing a manuscript.
• Reviewers should recuse themselves from reviewing if they have a conflict of interest with the authors or the research.

3. Editor Disclosure:

• Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where such conflicts exist.
• The editorial team is committed to ensuring that all decisions are made impartially and transparently.

4. Transparency and Accountability:

• The journal is committed to transparency in the disclosure and management of conflicts of interest.
• Any potential conflicts of interest will be disclosed in the published article, and appropriate steps will be taken to manage and mitigate any identified conflicts.

Review Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Confidentiality

1. Reviewer Confidentiality:

• Reviewers are required to treat all manuscripts as confidential documents. Manuscripts must not be shared, discussed, or disclosed to anyone outside the review process without prior authorization from the editorial team.
• Reviewers must not use any information gained from reviewing a manuscript for personal advantage or to the disadvantage of others.

2. Editorial Confidentiality:

• Editors and editorial staff must ensure that information regarding submitted manuscripts is kept confidential. This includes the identities of reviewers and the content of reviews.
• Confidentiality extends to the handling of appeals and complaints to maintain the integrity of the review process.

Reviewer Conduct

1. Timeliness:

• Reviewers are expected to complete their reviews within the specified timeframe. If additional time is needed, reviewers should promptly notify the editorial team.
• Timely reviews are crucial to maintaining an efficient and fair review process for all authors.

2. Fairness and Objectivity:

• Reviews should be conducted objectively and without bias. Reviewers must provide fair, constructive, and unbiased feedback based solely on the manuscript’s merit.
• Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate and unacceptable.

3. Constructive Feedback:

• Reviewers should provide clear, concise, and constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts.
• Comments should be specific and supported by evidence, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement.

4. Conflict of Interest:

• Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality. If a conflict of interest exists, reviewers should recuse themselves from the review process.

Appeals and Complaints

1. Appeals:

• Authors who wish to appeal an editorial decision must submit a detailed written explanation, addressing the reviewers’ comments and providing a rationale for reconsideration.
• Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and, if necessary, additional external reviewers. The decision on the appeal is final and communicated to the author in a timely manner.

2. Complaints:

• Complaints regarding the editorial process, reviewer conduct, or ethical issues should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief.
• Complaints are investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action is taken to resolve the issue. Complainants are informed of the outcome and any corrective measures implemented.

Open Access and Archiving Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Open Access Policy

1. Open Access Model:

• Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies operates under an open access model, making all published articles freely available to readers worldwide without subscription fees.
• Authors may be required to pay an article processing charge (APC) to cover the costs of publication. The APC amount and payment instructions are clearly outlined on the journal’s website.

2. Licensing:

• Articles are published under a Creative Commons license, allowing readers to share and adapt the work with proper attribution. The specific type of Creative Commons license (e.g., CC BY) is specified for each article.

Archiving

1. Long-term Archiving:

• The journal ensures the long-term archiving and accessibility of published articles through partnerships with reputable digital archiving services such as CLOCKSS, LOCKSS, and institutional repositories.
• Authors are encouraged to deposit copies of their published articles in institutional or subject-specific repositories to enhance accessibility and preservation.

2. Digital Preservation:

• The journal employs robust digital preservation practices to safeguard the integrity and availability of published content over time. This includes regular backups and adherence to industry standards for digital preservation.

Data Sharing and Reproducibility Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Data Availability

1. Data Sharing:

• Authors are encouraged or required to share the data underlying their research to promote transparency, reproducibility, and further scientific discovery.
• A data availability statement must be included in the manuscript, specifying where and how the data can be accessed. If there are restrictions on data sharing, these must be clearly stated.

2. Data Repositories:

• Authors are encouraged to deposit their data in reputable data repositories that provide access to researchers while ensuring data security and integrity.
• Examples of such repositories include institutional repositories, subject-specific repositories, and general repositories like Dryad or Figshare.

Reproducibility

1. Research Transparency:

• Manuscripts should include sufficient methodological detail to allow other researchers to replicate the study. This includes detailed descriptions of experimental procedures, data analysis methods, and any software or tools used.
• Authors are encouraged to provide supplementary materials, such as code and protocols, to facilitate reproducibility.

2. Reproducibility Checks:

• The journal may conduct reproducibility checks on selected manuscripts to verify the accuracy and reliability of the reported findings.
• Authors may be asked to provide additional data or methodological details during the review process to support reproducibility efforts.

Corrections and Retractions Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Correction Policy

1. Identification of Errors:

• Authors, readers, or editors who identify errors in published articles should promptly notify the editorial team.
• Errors can include typographical mistakes, factual inaccuracies, or omissions that do not alter the overall conclusions of the research.

2. Correction Process:

• The editorial team will review the reported error and, if necessary, consult with the authors to verify the issue.
• If the error is confirmed, a correction notice will be published. The correction notice will detail the nature of the error and the corrections made.
• The corrected article will be updated and reissued with a note indicating the corrections.

Retraction Policy

1. Criteria for Retraction:

• Articles may be retracted if there is clear evidence of unethical research practices, such as data fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism.
• Retractions may also occur if significant errors are identified that invalidate the study’s findings or conclusions.

2. Retraction Process:

• The decision to retract an article will be made by the editorial team, often in consultation with the authors and external experts.
• A retraction notice will be published, stating the reasons for the retraction. The original article will be marked as retracted, but it will remain accessible for transparency.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Diversity Statement

1. Commitment to Diversity:

• The journal is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of its operations, including authorship, editorial board membership, and the peer review process.
• We strive to include voices and perspectives from underrepresented groups in academia and ensure equitable opportunities for all researchers.

Inclusion Policy

1. Inclusive Content:

• The journal aims to publish content that reflects a wide range of perspectives and disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary research that is inclusive of diverse viewpoints.
• Submissions that address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their research focus are particularly encouraged.

2. Editorial Practices:

• The editorial team actively seeks to recruit and support a diverse group of authors, reviewers, and editorial board members.
• Policies and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they promote an inclusive environment and mitigate any biases.

Advertising and Sponsorship Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Advertising Policy

1. Acceptable Advertising:

• Advertising content must align with the journal’s mission and values and should be relevant to the academic community.
• All advertisements are subject to review and approval by the editorial team to ensure they do not compromise the journal’s integrity.

2. Independence from Editorial Decisions:

• The acceptance of advertising or sponsorship will not influence editorial decisions or the content of the journal.
• Clear separation is maintained between editorial content and advertising to uphold the journal’s editorial independence.

Copyright and Licensing Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Copyright Policy

1. Copyright Ownership:

• Authors retain the copyright to their work upon publication.
• Authors grant the journal a license to publish the article and identify itself as the original publisher.

Licensing Agreements

1. Open Access Licensing:

• Articles are published under a Creative Commons license (e.g., CC BY), allowing readers to share and adapt the work with proper attribution.
• Specific licensing terms are clearly stated for each article to ensure transparency and compliance with open access principles.

Implementation and Communication Policy for Legacy Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Transparency

1. Clear Communication:

• All journal policies are clearly communicated on the journal’s website and in author guidelines.
• Authors, reviewers, and readers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these policies to ensure a smooth and ethical publication process.

Regular Review

1. Policy Review:

• Journal policies are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and new ethical standards.
• Feedback from the academic community is welcomed to continually improve and refine journal policies.