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Leddy Library has developed and successfully implemented a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines for open access journals, supporting responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI tools in scholarly publishing. The guidelines are now in use across several University of Windsor–hosted journals and have attracted interest from the international library publishing community.
Initiated in summer 2025, the project builds on a peer‑reviewed study published in the International Journal of Librarianship, which examined how library and information science (LIS) journals were responding to the rise of generative AI. The study identified significant variation in existing journal policies and highlighted the need for clear, practical guidance tailored to open access publishing environments.
Led by Leddy Library’s Research and Publishing Services Unit, the guidelines were developed in collaboration with Dr. Clayton Smith, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Windsor, and Editor of the Journal of Teaching and Learning (JTL), and translated research findings into actionable editorial policy. The resulting AI Guidelines for Open Access Journals provide guidance for editors, authors, and reviewers on issues such as transparency around AI use, authorship responsibility, and alignment with established publication ethics.
“As journals navigate the rapid adoption of generative AI tools, editors need clear, flexible guidance that supports ethical use without discouraging innovation,” said Dr. Clayton Smith. “These guidelines are designed to help journals respond thoughtfully and consistently to a changing scholarly publishing landscape.”
Since their release, the guidelines have been successfully implemented in multiple UWindsor‑hosted journals, including the Journal of Critical Race, Indigeneity, and Decolonization and The Great Lakes Journal of Undergraduate History. Journal editors have used the guidelines to inform editorial policies, submission requirements, and peer review practices.
The project has also drawn international attention, including interest from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Library Publishing Section, reflecting the broader relevance of the work to library‑led publishing programs worldwide.
By moving from research to implementation, this initiative demonstrates Leddy Library’s commitment to evidence‑informed practice, open scholarship, and leadership in responsible scholarly publishing.
Leddy Library has developed and successfully implemented a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidelines for open access journals, supporting responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI tools in scholarly publishing. The guidelines are now in use across several University of Windsor–hosted journals and have attracted interest from the international library publishing community.
Initiated in summer 2025, the project builds on a peer‑reviewed study published in the International Journal of Librarianship, which examined how library and information science (LIS) journals were responding to the rise of generative AI. The study identified significant variation in existing journal policies and highlighted the need for clear, practical guidance tailored to open access publishing environments.
Led by Leddy Library’s Research and Publishing Services Unit, the guidelines were developed in collaboration with Dr. Clayton Smith, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Windsor, and Editor of the Journal of Teaching and Learning (JTL), and translated research findings into actionable editorial policy. The resulting AI Guidelines for Open Access Journals provide guidance for editors, authors, and reviewers on issues such as transparency around AI use, authorship responsibility, and alignment with established publication ethics.
“As journals navigate the rapid adoption of generative AI tools, editors need clear, flexible guidance that supports ethical use without discouraging innovation,” said Dr. Clayton Smith. “These guidelines are designed to help journals respond thoughtfully and consistently to a changing scholarly publishing landscape.”
Since their release, the guidelines have been successfully implemented in multiple UWindsor‑hosted journals, including the Journal of Critical Race, Indigeneity, and Decolonization and The Great Lakes Journal of Undergraduate History. Journal editors have used the guidelines to inform editorial policies, submission requirements, and peer review practices.
The project has also drawn international attention, including interest from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Library Publishing Section, reflecting the broader relevance of the work to library‑led publishing programs worldwide.
By moving from research to implementation, this initiative demonstrates Leddy Library’s commitment to evidence‑informed practice, open scholarship, and leadership in responsible scholarly publishing.
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