Rules for the delivery of online publications

• Only online publications which have actually been published can be delivered. This includes publications which are distributed exclusively by email (e. g. newsletters).

• The online publication delivered to the German National Library must be identical to the original publication on the submitter's server, in both its content and file format. The German National Library requires access to the original publication to check that the original and the archive version are identical. If access to your original publication is restricted/protected, please contact np-info@d-nb.de.

• To archive online publications on a long-term basis the German National Library accepts file formats on the basis of the priority list.

• To ensure that the data can be preserved on a permanent basis, PDF files should not feature password or copy protection. Online publications in other file formats may not be password protected, either.

• No websites can be collected and digitally preserved as yet. The German National Library therefore requests that no delivery be made until the collection of such publications is made possible using other procedures, e. g. harvesting.

• Each of the monograph online publications archived by the German National Library, and each delivery for an online journal (issue or article) must be given a URN (Uniform Resource Name). This is automatically issued on delivery. However, you also have the possibility to apply for a sub-name domain, allowing you to issue and manage your URNs yourself. Further information can be found at http://www.persistent-identifier.de and in the nestor handbook.

• Cross-references within the publication must be made in the form of relative links. Links belonging to online publications should not be absolute.

• Magazines must be submitted at the issue or article level, i.e. the delivery should consist of a single magazine or issue of the publication, or as an article.

• Publications consisting of several files must be delivered in an archive file, including a start file.