What is a Repository?

There are many definitions of repositories. Sigma defines its repository as a free online database for collecting, preserving, and disseminating digital copies of materials authored by nurses for nurses. It deliberately keeps the definition and term materials broad to include works of nurses from all career levels, global locations, and settings.

Because there are a variety of different publishing and dissemination methods available for nurses, it's easy to get lost in the jargon. Now that you know more about what the Sigma Repository is, here are a few things that the Sigma Repository is not.

THE SIGMA REPOSITORY IS NOT:

A traditional journal. This repository posts more than article manuscripts, and there are no topic, length, or formatting restrictions.
In competition with traditional publishing venues. There are more than enough scholarly and clinical works for both venues.
Traditional archive. Archives preserve historical materials and corporate records (digital and hard copy), with limited access to records.
Pay-to-publish venue. There are no open access fees or processing fees charged to authors or patrons. Submissions are based on merit and importance to the nursing profession.