# Sharing a Collection

## Overview

Share your collections across federated data sharing networks or with specific users through [Access Policies](https://docs.omics.ai/products/publisher/access-policies). 

Publisher provides three primary sharing services:

### **Discovery**

* Makes collection metadata publicly visible
* Includes collection name, description, and other metadata
* Required for network sharing

### **Search**

* Enables table querying
* Uses [GA4GH Data Connect](https://genomic-discovery.org/data-connect/) standard
* Requires access policy selection

### **Download**

* Allows file downloads via [GA4GH Data Repository Service API](https://ga4gh.github.io/data-repository-service-schemas/)
* Requires[ access policy](https://docs.omics.ai/products/publisher/access-policies/managing-an-access-policy) selection

## Sharing Configuration

### Enabling Services

1. Navigate to your collection from the "Collections" page
2. Access the "Sharing" tab to view and modify sharing preferences
3. Configure desired sharing services:
   * Toggle "Discovery" to enable public visibility
   * Select target Networks for sharing
   * Set access policies for Search and Download services

{% hint style="info" %}
Network sharing changes may take several minutes to propagate
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Disabling "Discovery" removes collection from all Networks
{% endhint %}

### Access Control

* Services require appropriate access policies when enabled
* Administrators retain access regardless of sharing settings
* Collection status updates automatically based on enabled services
* "Not Shared" status indicates all services are disabled

{% hint style="info" %}
Access policies are mandatory for Search and Download services
{% endhint %}

## Notes

* Collections with all services disabled can only be accessed by Administrators
* A collection's sharing status is determined by its service toggles:
  * "Shared" appears when any service (Discovery, Search, or Download) is enabled
  * "Not Shared" appears when all services are disabled