Please see my comments below Ricky.

Best wishes

Simon de Montfalcon

Institutional Repository

University of Southampton

When implementing the Request a Copy button I believe this sends an email to the academic that another researcher has requested a copy of their paper

Yes, that’s correct.

Does the academic email a publishers copy or post a paper copy?

I suppose it’s up to them but here they mostly send an electronic copy as far as I’m aware, which is obviously far more convenient for both parties. The academic should, theoretically, check publisher policies before doing this.

The Request a Copy button is a useful tool in encouraging authors to upload a full text (open access) to their eprints as we inform them that this will remove the request button and negate the need for them to continually respond to requests. Here, the request form asks the author to upload a full text if available + copyright permitting. I can give you an example of our form if you’re interested.