Search arXiv by title and author to locate the preprint record, then check PubMed or PMC for a version labeled as a preprint, and record the version and date so you cite the correct stage of the work. The two databases serve different roles: arXiv holds preprint records searchable by title, author, abstract, subject, identifier, and date range, while PubMed and PMC can include eligible life-science preprints labeled as preprints so readers can distinguish publication status.
- Search arXiv by title first. Enter the paper's title in arXiv search. A title match usually narrows the field quickly; if the title is long or has changed, search a distinctive phrase instead. Expected result: a candidate preprint record you can open and compare against the in-press paper.
- Confirm the author match. Run an author search in arXiv and compare the author list on the candidate record with the paper you have. Expected result: you either confirm the same authors or find that the title match belongs to a different group.
- Check PubMed or PMC for a preprint label. Search PubMed for the paper and look for a record identified as a preprint. The NIH Preprint Pilot explains that eligible life-science preprints are included in PMC and PubMed and labeled as preprints. Expected result: you know whether a preprint version is indexed there and how that record is labeled.
- Record the version and date. Note the version number and posting date shown on the preprint record, and compare them with the date of the in-press manuscript. Expected result: you can state which stage of the work you are citing.
- Use PubMed tools if the first search misses. PubMed supports field tags, phrase searching, filters, Advanced Search, citation matching, and similar-article links. Expected result: a refined search that either surfaces the record or leaves the preprint status unresolved, in which case check the preprint record directly on arXiv.
A preprint and the in-press article can differ, so cite the version you actually read and keep its date with the citation.