What is CrossMark?

CrossMark is a multi-publisher service that provides a standardized way for readers to identify and access the most up-to-date version of scholarly content. It helps communicate corrections, updates, expressions of concern, or retractions—protecting trust in the scholarly record.

How CrossMark Works

Clicking the CrossMark logo on the PDF or HTML version of an ISPE article opens a CrossMark status page that indicates whether the document is current or has updates. The status page may also show publication-history notices (e.g., corrections, retractions) and additional publication metadata.

Types of Updates Covered

• Corrections: Editorial fixes and amendments, ranging from minor errors to substantial corrections that affect interpretation.
• Retractions: Formal removal from the scholarly record due to unreliable findings, ethical violations, or proven misconduct.
• Updates & Addenda: Clarifications, addenda, or supplementary information posted after publication.
• Expressions of Concern: Temporary notices when serious issues are under investigation.

Accessing Document Updates

Readers can verify the status of an article at any time by clicking the CrossMark logo. If an update exists, the CrossMark status page will provide a clear explanation and link to the related notice (e.g., Correction/Retraction) to ensure transparency and traceability.

Policy on Record Maintenance

ISPE maintains the integrity of the scholarly record by ensuring the “Version of Record” remains accessible. When changes are necessary, ISPE publishes formal editorial notices (e.g., corrections or retractions) and links them through CrossMark for permanent visibility.

Transparency and Scholarly Integrity

By adopting CrossMark, ISPE demonstrates its commitment to ethical publishing and transparent post-publication stewardship. Authors, reviewers, institutions, and readers can trust that the status of each article is clearly communicated and verifiable.

Benefits for Authors & Readers

• Authors: Strengthens credibility, ensures transparent corrections, and protects the scholarly record of published work.
• Readers: Confirms they are reading the most current and authoritative version of an article.
• Institutions & Libraries: Supports reliable cataloging, indexing, and version-aware citation practices.