This week, we highlight a toolkit to support the launch of open access journals, and resources to help researchers prepare for UKRI’s new open access policy. We also look at the history of open access, from the creation of the Budapest Open Access Initiative to the inception of Plan S, and new resources to help shape the future of open access. Finally, we see the progress made by Springer Nature in expanding their transformative agreements globally.
To read:
A fully open access journal publishing toolkit via Scholastica HQ | 4-minute read
More than 20 years have passed since the creation of the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI), a declaration laying the foundations for fully open access publishing that has been endorsed by thousands of scholarly signatories. In an effort to help those planning to launch open access journals in line with BOAI principles, Scholastica have created a fully open access journal publishing toolkit including templates for the creation of author guidelines, an open access journal grading tool and an overview of funding models.
Progress in open access publishing since the inception of Plan S via LSE Impact Blog | 7-minute read
Launched by cOAlition S in September 2018, Plan S was created to hasten progress towards the goal of making all publicly funded research open access. Plan S provoked debate about the future of academic publishing, forcing publishers to rethink their business models, and has driven the surge in transformative agreements. A new book, Plan S for Shock (which is available open access, of course), explores the history of Plan S, the future of academic publishing and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources from UKRI to support funding recipients prepare for open access via UKRI | 2-minute read
From April 2022, recipients of funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be required to adhere to a new open access policy. To help researchers and research organizations prepare for changes affecting the publication of peer-reviewed research articles, UKRI have provided resources explaining how to handle Creative Commons Attribution licences, support for publishing costs and guidance on preprints.
A survey of researcher open access needs via Cambridge Core blog | 4-minute read
The results of a survey of over 4000 academics organized by Cambridge University Press highlighted widespread interest in open access, with 76% of respondents agreeing that open access was progressive and should be encouraged. However, the survey also revealed barriers to publishing open access and shortfalls in participants’ practical understanding of open access principles. In response to the survey findings, Cambridge University Press showcase their open access resources, including a fee waivers and discounts tool, open access videos and the Flip It Open pilot programme.
A growing number of transformative agreements from Springer Nature via Springer Nature Group | 3-minute read
Springer Nature recently announced new transformative agreements with the Federal Science Libraries Network (FSLN) and Consorcio Colombia. The first agreement supports the Government of Canada’s Roadmap for Open Science by providing members of FSLN with the ability to publish open access content with Springer Nature. The latter provides institutions within the Consorcio Colombia, including the Colombian Association of Universities, with similar benefits. Springer Nature now has 17 such transformative agreements providing open access publishing in over 2000 hybrid journals.
Have you listened to our podcast with Inspiring STEM Consulting about driving positive change in the communication of pharma-sponsored research? Listen to it for free here, along with the rest of the series – featuring how open access saves lives, accelerates discovery and promotes global equity.
