Open Access (OA) publishing – myths, choices and costs

Discussions and enquiries concerning open access journals and the best way to support the associated costs of OA publishing have increased over the last 12‐18 months at the University of Strathclyde. Much of this discussion has taken place with individual academics or at departmental level, rather than at an institutional level. The Information Services Directorate has participated in some of these interchanges, and is aware that the Library, in particular, is identified by many as being the most likely source of funding and/or possible coordinator of any decision to tackle this matter should a central support policy be put in place. Whilst ISD agree that its field of responsibility should include some involvement with OA publishing, not least due to the support and management of the institutional repository, it is concerned that many of the views being expressed by colleagues elsewhere are showing some evidence that the real workings of the OA enterprise in the wider arena are misunderstood, specifically on the matter of cost. This discussion paper attempts to clear‐up some of the myths and provide an objective assessment of the options this institution may wish to consider