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Chapter1
What is vifabioDOC?
vifabioDOC is a subject repository from vifabio – the Virtual Library of Biology. vifabio is a DFG-funded subject portal for biology and is led by the University of Frankfurt (Main) Library and its partners. vifabioDOC is, in the long run, intended to be the subject repository for digital documents from all sub-disciplines of biology.
vifabioDOC enables free worldwide access to scientific, subject-relevant publications in an electronic format. Publications are permanently archived on a server in the University of Frankfurt (Main) Library and are published, ready to cite. Publications on vifabioDOC are not only accessible on vifabio, but can also be found in library catalogues (e.g. HeBIS) and search engines (e.g. Google).
How can I contribute to vifabioDOC?
You can place your own scientific publications (such as journal articles for which you have not given up your copyright) on vifabioDOC. You will thereby promote the visibility of your publications as well as the position of vifabioDOC in the scientific community.
How does having my publications on vifabioDOC benefit me?
Digital publications on vifabioDOC are available to everybody worldwide permanently and without any sort of access restrictions. vifabioDOC documents are provided with standardised metadata and are findable on search engines (e.g. Google) and library catalogues.
The improved visibility with enhance your reputation. Easy citation is guaranteed as each document is given its own unique URN. If you would like to find out more about quality control on vifabioDOC, click here.
Data formats and operating systems rapidly become obsolete. If you contribute to vifabioDOC, you do not need to worry about whether your publications are still available in five years.
Which file formats are permitted?
vifabioDOC’s main file format is PDF (optimally PDF/A; find out more about PDF/A on Wikipedia or the information pages (only available in German) on the University of Frankfurt (Main) Library’s website). You should save your entire work in a single file. Multiple files are only used if your document is very large. If you have technical questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
My articles are only in Word format. How can I convert these to PDF?
The most recent version of MS Word and OpenOffice.org allow you to export your documents directly to PDF format. Older versions require additional software, which may be either commercial or free. Some of the free software is perfectly acceptable for text files. The University of Freiburg Library offers a simple and user-friendly online-tutorial on how to create PDF files called "Electronic publishing in PDF" (only available in German). We will happily answer any questions you ask us.
If your article has already been published, contact the publisher to find out if you may use a PDF created by them.
Why must I sign a deposit agreement?
All parties are protected with a publication copyright agreement. vifabioDOC guarantees the visibility and access of your publications in a free, worldwide accessible subject portal; your documents have long-term availability to others with a stable internet address. With your signature, you guarantee to us that you are the holder of copyright so that vifabioDOC cannot be prosecuted either by a publisher for infringement of copyright or others for infringement of personal rights. In posting to vifabioDOC you remain, of course, free to further publish your contribution in an anthology, a journal or, for example, on your web site.
Can I uploaded my document directly?
Before publication, a few preparatory steps are required, particularly completion of a publication agreement. As part of these prepatory steps, the documents are uploaded to vifabioDOC by vifabio or University Library employees.
What is the first step in placing a publication on vifabioDOC?
Please contact us and we will support you during the entire process.
How is scientific quality guaranteed?
- With postprints (such as articles or essays in anthologies) it is assumed that quality control has been undertaken by a publisher.
- With serials or contributions to journals, it is assumed that quality is controlled by editorial review.
- Doctoral theses can be considered of sufficient quality due to the doctoral process.
- Masters theses are only published on recommendation from an examiner.
Are my publications protected from abuse?
Open access documents cannot be restricted from saving to a local computer. But the regulations for academic honesty still apply to online publication (citations from publications must be marked as such) and, of course, as the original author you keep the same intellectual property rights as with printed publications. Every copyright infringement of your online publications can be pursued legally.
Logo "DINI Certificate 2010" – what does this mean?
The German Initiative for Network Information (DINI) is committed to improving the information and communication services in higher education institutions and learned societies and to foster international standards. With the awarding of the certificate DINI facilitates a transparent quality control for Document and Publication Services. In order to be awarded the DINI Certificate, a repository must meet requirements regarding several aspects such as visibility and quality of its services, policy, interfaces, and long-term availability. In 2012, vifabioDOC was awarded the "DINI Certificate 2010 for Document and Publication Services" (then the latest version).
