Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers are the backbone of scholarly publishing. By accepting an invitation to review a manuscript for the Libyan Journal of Dentistry, a reviewer accepts the following responsibilities.

Eligibility and Acceptance

  • Accept a review invitation only if you have the necessary subject expertise and the time to deliver a thorough review within the agreed deadline;
  • Decline promptly if either condition is not met, and where possible suggest an alternative reviewer;
  • Disclose any conflict of interest at the point of accepting the invitation.

Confidentiality

  • Treat the manuscript and all associated material as strictly confidential;
  • Do not share, discuss, distribute, or use the manuscript in any form outside the assigned review;
  • Do not upload the manuscript to any public or third-party service, including AI tools;
  • Do not contact the authors directly about the manuscript.

Objectivity and Tone

  • Evaluate the manuscript on its scientific merit, independently of the author's identity, institution, or nationality;
  • Provide reasoned, constructive feedback that helps the authors improve the work;
  • Frame criticisms respectfully and avoid personal or institutional remarks.

Scientific Rigour

  • Assess the originality, importance, and validity of the work;
  • Assess the appropriateness of the methods, the soundness of the analysis, and the reliability of the conclusions;
  • Identify any concerns about research integrity and report them to the handling editor.

Recommendation

Provide a clear recommendation chosen from four options: Accept; Minor revision; Major revision; or Reject.

Timeliness

  • Respond to the invitation within 72 hours;
  • Complete the review within the agreed deadline (normally four weeks for the first round);
  • Notify the handling editor promptly if a delay becomes unavoidable.

Reviewer Rights

Reviewers have the right to: decline an invitation without giving a reason; withdraw from a review where a conflict of interest emerges; receive a Certificate of Review on request; receive feedback on the editorial decision; and be considered for Editorial Board membership.