What do we mean by
“open access”?
Open Access (OA) publishing models allow an author to
distribute their work freely online, without restriction, to any reader with an
available Internet connection. The use and reproduction of that work is also
unlimited, assuming proper attribution to the author. The result is a wider
readership because access level paywalls are removed. However, this does not
mean that open access articles are free to produce, publish, or archive for the
long term.
Options in publishing
There are several open access options available to authors
who desire to publish in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. These will vary
between journals and publishers, and traverse the spectrum from completely open
to the proprietary traditional model. Some publishers offer “gold,” “green,”
and “hybrid” publishing options, which allow authors to choose how and where
their article will be available.
In the “gold” model, authors publish in an entirely open
access journal and often keep the copyright to their work through a Creative
Commons Attribution license. Some publishers are entirely open access, so all
journals follow this model and others offer only some “gold” journal options.
The journal Atmospheric Chemistry and
Physics is a popular case study for the validity and prestige of “gold” open
access journals in atmospheric sciences. It employs a two-step review process
which serves to increase publishing speed and article visibility. The “green”
model allows authors to deposit a post-print of their article in an
institutional or subject repository of their choice which would normally be
part of a subscription-only journal. A “hybrid” open access model also exists
which allows authors to individually select their article to be open access
within a subscription-based journal. This generally involves an additional fee,
and the article is made open access after publication and is a very common
choice for many authors.
Contrary to popular belief, OA fees are not always the
responsibility of the author. In many cases, allocated funding sources from
grants or institutions are used to cover OA fees or the publisher may waive the
fee in the event of economic hardship.
The role of
professional societies
The increased demand for open access publishing puts
significant pressure on the structure of professional societies. As
non-profits, most gain revenue from journal subscriptions, but the open access
model may decrease this funding stream over time. Although complying with open
access publishing aligns with the mission statement of many learned societies,
the loss of revenue may lead to an
increase in membership and conference fees.
For all publishers, including professional societies, open
access does not mean free.
For further
information