The National Library of Medicine (NLM) decides whether the scientific and editorial character and quality of a proposed title merit its inclusion in Bookshelf. In making this decision, NLM first considers the suitability of the title for the NLM collection, based on the criteria in the Collection Development Guidelines of the National Library of Medicine. To apply to Bookshelf, a title must have a clearly stated peer-review process and demonstrate features that contribute to the objectivity, credibility, and quality of its contents.

Examples of the types of criteria that may be considered when evaluating content for Bookshelf include:

In addition to the above, as outlined in the Collection Development Guidelines of the National Library of Medicine, reviews should generally contain substantive summaries and analysis of recent research in a field. Case reports should include thorough and detailed case presentations, as well as substantial discussions about the relevance to clinical practice and research.

For content that reports the results of original research, the research should be scientifically rigorous. NLM uses the definition of scientific rigor provided by the NIH Office of Extramural Research, which defines scientific rigor as “the strict application of the scientific method to ensure robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation and reporting of results. This includes full transparency in reporting experimental details so that others may reproduce and extend the findings.” NLM also expects original research to adhere to applicable ethical standards, including the protection of human and animal subjects.

There are numerous resources available that can aid authors and editors in improving the quality of their content. As examples, some resources NLM encourages content providers and authors to reference are:

• Monographs: OAPEN Guides for OA monographs
• Clinical Practice Guidelines: IOM Committee on Standards for Developing Trustworthy Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Textbooks: OER Authoring Resources
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses: PRISMA guidelines
• Case reports: the CARE case report guidelines
• Clinical trials: CONSORT
• Animal studies: ARRIVE

In addition, publishers should follow current best practices. NLM supports the publishing practices outlined by:

• Directory of Open Access Books
• Open Access Publishing in European Networks (OAPEN); particularly the Jisc and OAPEN: Publisher information on open access monographs (2016).
• Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA)
• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
• Council of Scientific Editors (CSE)