Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register for an account and log in to view items?

No. You do not need to register or login to view items posted in the Sigma Repository. You need to register for an account and log in to submit materials, and sign up for posting notifications to collections of interest.


Do I need to be a member of Sigma to view Sigma Repository materials or submit items?

No. Sigma membership is not required to access, view, or submit materials to the Sigma Repository. The Sigma Repository is 100% grant funded.


Do I need to log in to view embargoed files?

No. When a file is embargoed (i.e., locked), logging in will not open the file. Files are locked down for specific periods of time to allow for the author to pursue traditional publication using the same material. Embargoed files represent the minority of files in this repository.

If you encounter an embargoed file in an item record, send the link to repository staff and they will let you know the embargo end date so that you can mark it on your calendar.

Alternatively, you may contact the author to arrange to see the file prior to the embargo's end date.


Can I join Sigma or renew my membership from the repository's website?

Not directly, but... Below are the links to join or renew your membership in Sigma.

Join Sigma  |  Renew Your Membership 


Can I sign up for notifications when items are added to collections of interest?

Yes. You will need to register for an account and then log in. Select the Profile option in the My Account section. Then add collections to the Subscription feature.


Can I submit a published article. 

In most cases, no. When an article is published in a journal, the journal owns copyright to the as-published version. We do not recommend submitting a published article, unless you added a Creative Commons License to the work.


I have registered; why can't I submit?

Registration is a 2-step process... After you have registered, you must contact the Sigma Repository staff and request submission authorization to a collection or collections.


Is material posted in the Sigma Repository considered published?

No. The Sigma Repository defines "published" as peer-reviewed prior to posting. We define "disseminated" as posted on its merits without formal review. According to our own definitions, the majority of items in this repository are disseminated and not published.


Who owns the copyright to the materials posted in the Sigma Repository?

The original copyright holder! Copyright is retained by the original copyright holder. Submitters must be the copyright holder, the copyright holder's proxy, or have obtained written permission from the copyright holder.


What is the Sigma Repository?

Short answer: It is a free resource provided by Sigma. It is a profession-based online platform that freely disseminates nursing research, research-related materials, educational, clinical materials related to evidence-based practice and quality improvements, and educational materials.

It is a self-archiving service, meaning that it works directly with authors/copyright holders of qualified materials to allow them to share their work on a global platform.

It is a free resource of Sigma Theta Tau International the Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma).


Is there a difference between published and disseminated?

Yes. The Sigma Repository defines "published" as peer-reviewed prior to posting. We define "disseminated" as posted on its merits without formal review. According to our own definitions, the majority of items in this repository are disseminated and not published.


What is pre-print?

It is a manuscript submitted to a journal...A pre-print is the author's original manuscript submitted to a journal prior to acceptance, peer-review and editing.


Is this a pre-print repository? 

No. The Sigma Repository assists nurses (working/retired) and nursing students with the dissemination of quality grey literature not otherwise easily located, but is not involved in posting pre-prints of published articles.

There are many journals that allow authors to openly disseminate a pre-print in a database/repository, but there are strict rules and publishers can change the rules to suit their current business model.


I have collected articles and other materials related to my interest area(s). I am not the author. May I submit them to the Sigma Repository to share with others? 

No. You must be the copyright holder of the materials or be the copyright holder's legal proxy to submit the materials to the Sigma Repository. Owning physical or digital copies of works for your own use or student use is not the same as owning copyright.


Can an item be removed from the Sigma Repository once it has been posted? 

No. Once an item has been submitted, it is permanently housed in the repository. Exceptions to the rule: an item is removed if plagiarism or fraud is involved or when previously unrecognized fundamental errors are noticed.