Inclusive Approaches to Open Access monograph funding: beyond the book processing charge

Fathallah, Judith and Eve, Martin Paul and Gatti, Rupert (2022) Inclusive Approaches to Open Access monograph funding: beyond the book processing charge. In: Library Publishing Form 2022 Preconference, 2022-05-18.

Abstract

This session explores alternative funding models for Open Access books that seek to maximise diversity and inclusion, by moving beyond the standard BPC-based approaches. Book Processing Charges favour wealthier institutions and academics and those whose research funding is already secure. This defeats the goal of Open Access to maximise access and contribution to academic research, and it stultifies academic fields. Alternative approaches are needed to broaden the ability of scholars from less privileged institutions to access research, and to publish books Open Access. This session will showcase the COPIM Project’s work in making these alternative approaches a reality. Speakers will present on three strands of our work, beginning with an overview of the Open Book Collective (OBC) – a non-profit, community-governed platform and organisation that will facilitate the exchange of information and funding between OA book publishers, infrastructure providers, and libraries. The OBC embodies the benefits and values of collaboration over competition in OA publishing. We’ll also highlight Thoth, an open metadata management and dissemination system tailored to tackle the problems of getting Open Access works into the (closed) book supply chain and library catalogues. Finally, we’ll discuss our innovative funding model Opening the Future as an example of how mutually supportive collaborations between publishers and libraries can unlock OA for books to the benefit of all. The presentations will be followed by audience discussion of the different funding models that libraries and library publishers have explored, collective or otherwise, including benefits and drawbacks. As more schemes and partnerships emerge, libraries will increasingly need to be able to navigate and assess OA options more simply, and with policy changes on the horizon, publishers will need to explore their OA choices. Our session promises to tease out these important discussions from all stakeholders in the library and publishing communities.