offprint

An offprint is a separate copy of an article or chapter that has been published in a larger work such as a journal, magazine, or book. Offprints are typically printed on their own paper and may be unbound or bound. They are often produced in addition to the regular print run of the main publication.

Authors frequently receive offprints of their published work as a way to distribute their research to colleagues, collaborators, and interested parties. These individual copies are convenient for sharing and archiving. Historically, offprints were a common way for academics to disseminate their findings before the widespread adoption of digital distribution.

The production of offprints can be handled by the publisher of the original work. Authors may be provided with a certain number of free offprints, or they may have the option to purchase additional copies. The design of an offprint may be identical to the article as it appears in the publication, or it might have a slightly different cover or format. In some cases, especially for older publications, offprints might be the only readily available copies of specific articles. While digital versions have become more common, offprints still serve a purpose in academic and professional circles for personal distribution and record-keeping.