How to Include Content in Bookshelf

For Content

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The content must be peer reviewed

For Content Providers

NLM looks for ongoing content provider conformance with published guidelines and best practices, including OAPEN Guides for OA monographs, IOM Committee on Standards for Developing Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines, OER Authoring Resources, PRISMA guidelines, CARE case report guidelines, CONSORT, and ARRIVE.

Submit Application

Information you’ll need to submit when applying

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Title of proposed content

Initial Application Screening

Once received, NLM will check that the application is complete and meets the pre-application requirements. NLM will communicate any inconsistencies about the application back to the applicant. If the application is complete, NLM will determine if the content is appropriate for Bookshelf. Content providers who do not pass the initial application screening are eligible to reapply in 24 months.

Factors that determine if content is in scope for Bookshelf

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Peer-reviewed with a clearly stated peer-review policy

The following content types are in scope:

• Monographs;
• Biographical Works;
• Collected Works;
• Government Publications;
• Handbooks and Manuals;
• Reference works, e.g., Dictionaries and Encyclopedias;
• Standards and Guidelines;
• Statistical Works;
• Technical Reports;
• Textbooks;
• Web Content;
• and other types of Grey Literature.

In very exceptional cases, Bookshelf will consider self-published or independently sponsored works.

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For more information,

For Collections and Updated Web Content

Next, if the content is a collection of documents or regularly updated content, the content provider submits a set of at least 3-5 sample documents that is representative of the collection’s content types and styles. The set of samples must meet Bookshelf’s File Submission Specifications. In addition, Bookshelf will request a cover image for the collection or website, as well as a brief description of the collection to appear on its landing page in Bookshelf.

For Books

If the content is a single book or other type of document, the content provider submits it to Bookshelf according to Bookshelf’s File Submission Specifications.

What does Bookshelf evaluate?

Bookshelf evaluates the content to ensure that:

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The XML Coding meets Bookshelf’s specifications, including explicit markup of all structural and textual elements of a source and enough metadata to build an accurate citation

If necessary, the content provider must correct reported errors and submit a revised package for a subsequent round of evaluation.

If a deposit fails to meet Bookshelf’s file submission specifications at any stage of the application process, the application may be rejected.

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For more information,