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NIH Public Access Policy : Prior to Publication (Steps 1 & 2)

Questions that need to be addressed prior to publication

  • What submission method will be used?
  • What version of the paper will be made available on PMC?
  • Who will submit the paper?
  • Who will approve the submission?
  • When can the paper be made public on PMC?

Harvard Addendum Letter to Amend Publisher Agreement

Step One: Determine Applicability

Does the NIH Public Access Policy apply to your paper?  Was your paper the result of NIH funds?

The NIH Policy applies to ANY manuscript that:

  • Is peer-reviewed, AND;
  • Is accepted for publication in a journal on or after April 7, 2008.
AND arises from:
  • Any direct funding from an NIH grant or cooperative agreement active in Fiscal Year 2008 or beyond, OR;
  • Any direct funding from an NIH contract signed on or after April 7, 2008, OR;
  • Any direct funding from the NIH Intramural Program, OR;
  • An NIH employee.

Step Two: Address Copyright

Ensure your publishing agreement allows the paper/manuscript to be posted to PMC (PubMed Central) in accordance with the policy. Before you sign an author agreement or copyright transfer agreement, make sure the publisher allows the paper/manuscript to be submitted to PMC.

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