Read the invite, check conflicts, and respond promptly — step by step.
Accept a review invitation (step by step)
Editors invite reviewers whose expertise matches the manuscript. Here is exactly what to do when an invitation arrives.
Step 1 — Read the invitation email
It states the manuscript title, abstract, the journal (Nigerian Library Association Journals), and the deadline. The abstract alone tells you whether the topic fits your expertise — open it first.
Step 2 — Check for competing interests
Decline without hesitation if you: collaborate with or supervise any author, compete directly on the same narrow question, or have any financial stake. A quick, honest decline helps the journal far more than a compromised review.
Step 3 — Respond promptly
- Click the Accept or Decline link in the email, or sign in and open your reviewer dashboard.
- On the invitation card, choose Accept review or Decline (you may add a brief reason and even suggest an alternate reviewer — editors appreciate that).
- Accept only if you can meet the stated deadline; a late review stalls the author's career timeline.
Step 4 — Confirm access
After accepting, the invitation becomes an assignment on your dashboard with the manuscript file, the review form, and the due date. If the file will not open, notify the editorial office immediately rather than waiting.
If you must decline later
Life happens. If an accepted review becomes impossible, tell the office at once and, where possible, recommend a qualified colleague with an institutional email address.
Last updated: 24 Sep 2026 (from application documentation)