By LJ Staff

The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is offering the public an early glimpse at its first foray into journal publishing--and if the initial preview is an indication of what's to come, the publishing operation is off to a strong start. PLoS officials note, in an accompanying statement, that publishing selected articles from PLoS Biology before its official October launch gives readers the chance to judge the quality of the journal themselves. It also gives the PLoS the chance to publicly thank "some of the early pioneering authors" who have chosen to publish with the nonprofit organization. A list of contributors is posted on the site. "Rather than merely claiming that PLoS Biology will publish articles that are at the highest level within their field, we ask you to judge yourself," reads the statement.