Sigma Repository New Open Peer Review Publishing Portal
Sigma Repository is pleased to announce that its Independent Submissions (IS) community workflow will move to an open peer review publishing portal.
This applies only to the existing IS community and not other communities within the repository.
Why does the repository want to include a publishing component?
Directing peer reviewed submissions through a publishing portal will allow the repository more control over the review process, while remaining true to the repository's focus on a broad topic base and variety of materials.
These materials will be considered as published and not just disseminated. Published materials have a positive impact on tenure, promotion, and funding requests.
Adding the role of editor (a graduate-degree nurse) to the workflow, working with the existing repository manager (a master's-prepared librarian), and the repository's current reviewers ensures that the repository remains dedicated to industry standards and strong metadata practices while increasing the rigor of its peer review.
How will the publishing portal to repository transfer work?
Authors who wish to submit acceptable materials will be directed to a separate submission system for editorial evaluation, peer review, and acceptance/rejection/edits.
Accepted manuscripts (research and evidence-based practice) and educational materials will be seamlessly transferred to the repository with a designation that shows they have gone through open peer review.
Will this compete with Sigma’s existing journals?
No, this open peer review publishing portal will be a direct conduit to the repository. Its sole purpose is to expedite the workflow and review of the materials formerly submitted directly to the topical collections in the repository's Independent Submission community.
How will the transition period affect submitters and patrons?
The repository will not accept submissions to collections in the Independent Submissions community (for peer review) until further notice. This will allow us to focus on the policies and workflow of the new publishing portal.
Anticipated launch date: 2022.
This transition will not impact submissions to the repository's remaining communities and collections.
Currently posted materials remain unaffected and are available for viewing by anyone with an internet connection.
Will there be an open access or publishing fee for the new portal?
No, the publishing portal operates under the same policies as the repository – it’s free.
What differences will submitters and patrons see once the transition is completed?
The Independent Submissions community will be renamed Original Open Peer Reviewed Published Materials.
All current items in the Independent Submissions community will remain in the repository but may be moved to other communities and collections. Their permanent URL links (i.e., handles) will not change and they will still be easily located within the repository.
Submitting authors will see a different submission process, more in line with traditional journal submissions.
What is open peer review?
To see our definition and a list of benefits, click here.
If you have additional questions, please email repository@sigmanursing.org.
The repository's new open peer review publishing portal is powered by Open Journal Systems (OJS) hosted by KnowledgeArc.