Open Access
A publishing model where academic papers are freely available online without subscription fees, increasing research accessibility and citation rates.
Open access (OA) publishing makes research freely available to anyone with internet access, removing the traditional paywall of subscription-based journals. Major OA models include Gold OA (author pays article processing charges, typically $1,000-$5,000), Green OA (authors self-archive in institutional repositories), and Diamond/Platinum OA (no fees to authors or readers). Mandates from major funders like the NIH, Wellcome Trust, and Plan S (European coalition) have accelerated the transition to open access. Studies consistently show that OA papers receive more citations and broader readership than paywalled equivalents.
Related Terms
Related Guides
Open Access in Academic Publishing
The open access movement — models, mandates, costs, and the future of freely accessible research.
University Libraries in the Digital Age
How university libraries have evolved from book repositories to digital research hubs and collaborative learning spaces.