Academic Libraries as Trailblazers : Research Culture and Open Access Monographs

Morley, Tom (2024) Academic Libraries as Trailblazers : Research Culture and Open Access Monographs. In: International Research Culture Conference, 2024-09-16 - 2024-09-16, Warwick University.

Abstract

With the introduction of UKRIs new Open Access policy on the 1st of January 2024 and the possibility of Open Access Monographs being mandated by REF2029, there is an increasing focus within the Higher Education sector on Open Access Book publishing. Whilst the introduction of these polices will mean in scope researchers must publish their monograph outputs Open Access to be compliant, this focus represents an opportunity to facilitate a culture change in which Open Access Monograph publishing is the norm, rather than enacted to comply with funder mandates. However, there are several barriers preventing this culture change, including financial barriers, concerns and misconceptions relating to the prestige and academic quality of Open Access Book publishers, and a lack of awareness of open access book publishing routes within the researcher community. This session will explore how Lancaster University Library has moved beyond just being a service provider to work in partnership with our communities to facilitate a culture in which engaging with open research is part of normal, everyday practice rather than a mandate to comply with, with a particular focus on Open Access Monographs. The talk will provide an overview of how the library has facilitated this vision, including working in partnership with academic colleagues and external organisations to make Open Research possible and easy, as well as sharing concrete steps to facilitating a culture shift.