Reviewer Guidelines

1. Introduction

The Ghana Library Journal (GLJ) is a peer reviewed scholarly journal committed to advancing research, practice, and policy in library, archival, and information science, particularly within Ghana and the broader African context. These guidelines provide a structured framework to support reviewers in delivering high quality, ethical, and timely evaluations.

2. Before Accepting a Review Invitation

Reviewers are encouraged to carefully consider the following before accepting an invitation:

a. Expertise and Suitability

Ensure that the manuscript aligns with your area of knowledge and competence. You are best placed to determine whether you have the appropriate expertise to provide a meaningful evaluation.

b. Time Commitment

GLJ values thorough and well considered reviews. If you are unable to commit sufficient time, you may decline and recommend a suitable colleague.

c. Timeliness

Acknowledge receipt of the review request promptly. Reviews are typically expected within two to three weeks, unless otherwise stated.

d. Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any potential conflicts, including:

  • Collaboration with the author(s)
  • Institutional affiliation
  • Financial or professional relationships

Disclosure does not automatically disqualify you but allows the Editor to make an informed decision.

3. Confidentiality and Ethical Responsibilities

  • All manuscripts must be treated as strictly confidential
  • Content must not be shared, reproduced, or used for personal gain
  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or review reports to external systems or AI tools
  • Any suspicion of plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical misconduct should be reported to the Editor immediately
  • Reviewers are accountable for the integrity, accuracy, and rigour of their assessments

4. The Review Process

Reviewers should adopt a systematic and critical approach:

a. Initial Assessment

  • Relevance to the scope of GLJ
  • Originality and contribution to the field
  • Identification of major ethical or structural concerns

b. Detailed Evaluation

Reviewers will be guided by structured questions within the GLJ submission system. The following areas should be carefully examined:

5. Key Evaluation Criteria

a. Originality and Contribution

  • Does the manuscript present new and significant insights?
  • Does it contribute meaningfully to library and information science?
  • How does it compare with existing literature?

b. Title and Abstract

  • Does the title clearly reflect the content and significance of the study?
  • Does the abstract accurately summarise the study and include key elements?
  • Are key works appropriately cited?

c. Introduction / Background

  • Is the topic relevant to library and information science
  • Does the study addresses a meaningful and current issue
  • Is the research problem clearly stated

Provide comments on strengths and weaknesses.

d. Theoretical Framework / Literature Review

  • Evaluate the adequacy of conceptual or theoretical grounding
  • Evaluate the depth and relevance of literature reviewed
  • Evaluate whether the manuscript advances knowledge or theory

Comment on:

  • Missing key literature
  • Strength of argument
  • Balance and relevance of sources

e. Methodology

GLJ accepts qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.

  • Is the research design appropriate
  • Are the methods used clearly described
  • Does the approach answer the research question
  • Does the study demonstrates rigour and validity

Highlight strengths and any methodological weaknesses

f. Results / Findings

  • Are the findings clearly presented
  • Are the results  derived from data analysis
  • Is there logical organisation of findings

g. Discussion

  • Are the findings linked to literature and theory
  • Does the analysis contributes new knowledge
  • Are the conclusions supported by the data

Comment on coherence, depth, and interpretation.

h. References

Check:

  • Adherence to APA 7th edition
  • Accuracy and consistency of citations
  • Correspondence between in-text citations and reference list

i. Overall Impression

Provide an overall evaluation:

  • Clarity and readability
  • Logical flow of arguments
  • Strength of the research contribution

j. Language and Communication

  • Is the manuscript clearly written and easy to follow?
  • If language issues affect clarity, indicate this for editorial attention

k. Ethical Compliance

  • Are there any signs of plagiarism or ethical concerns?
  • Has appropriate ethical approval been obtained where necessary?

l. Implications and Impact

  • Does the study have relevance for:
    • Professional practice
    • Policy development
    • Teaching and learning
    • Further research
    • Society at large

6. Writing the Review Report

A high-quality review should:

  • Provide a concise summary of the manuscript
  • Clearly distinguish between major and minor issues
  • Offer constructive, actionable recommendations
  • Maintain a professional and respectful tone

Suggested Structure

  1. Summary of the manuscript
  2. Major comments
  3. Minor comments
  4. Confidential comments to the Editor (optional)

7. Recommendation Categories

Reviewers are required to select one of the following:

  • Accept
  • Accept with minor revisions
  • Major revisions required
  • Reject

Note: Final decisions rest with the Editorial Board.

8. Understanding Revision Decisions

Minor Revisions

Require small adjustments such as:

  • Formatting corrections
  • Minor clarifications
  • Additional references

Major Revisions

Require substantial improvements such as:

  • Methodological corrections
  • Expanded analysis
  • Significant restructuring

9. OJS Review Workflow (Reviewer Guide)

GLJ uses the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform for managing submissions.

Steps for Reviewers

  1. Login

Access the GLJ OJS portal using your credentials

  1. Review Invitation

Accept or decline the request within the system

  1. Access Manuscript

Download the manuscript and supplementary files

  1. Conduct Review

Evaluate using GLJ criteria and system prompts

  1. Submit Review

Enter comments and upload annotated files if necessary

  1. Make Recommendation

Select your decision and submit

10. Reviewer Conduct

Reviewers must:

  • Maintain professionalism and objectivity
  • Avoid personal criticism
  • Base feedback on evidence and scholarly standards
  • Support the development of authors through constructive critique

11. Recognition of Reviewers

GLJ recognises reviewers as key contributors to scholarly publishing and may acknowledge their service in journal communications and publications.

12. Contact Information

Editorial Office
Ghana Library Journal