Open Access FAQs

Ahead of our first Open Access Drop-in this afternoon (1-3 pm, Dale Building reception) I thought I’d put together this short FAQ to address some of the more common questions I’m asked.

As ever, get in touch if you need further information.

What is Open Access?

• A means of providing free, electronic access to scholarly research.

Why is there a need for Open Access?

• Traditional academic publishing models are unsustainable.
• The price of subscriptions to scholarly journals have increased above the rate of inflation for several decades, while library budgets across the sector have not.
• Increased access to communication technology, particularly the web, allows for easier, faster, and wider dissemination of research findings.
• Many funders require research outputs to be made open access.
• HEFCE requires that journal articles and published conference papers are open access to be eligible for the next REF.

How can I make my work Open Access?

• Add your research outputs to a research repository (such as SURE). Most publishers grant authors permission to upload the final, author-created manuscript to SURE.  To meet HEFCE’s requirements, manuscripts must be uploaded within 3 months of acceptance.  This is often referred to as ‘Green Open Access’.
• Publish in an open access journal. Often referred to as ‘Gold Open Access’.

What is a Research Repository?

• A research repository (also called an institutional repository) is an electronic database that can archive and disseminate research outputs. SURE is the research repository at University of Sunderland.

What is an open access journal?

• Open access journals allow free access to research. There is no access charge or subscription fee.  Authors (or their funder/ institution) may be charged an Article Processing Charge (APC) upon acceptance.

How will Open Access benefit me?

• Increase your readership.
• Increase citations for your research.
• Increase potential for collaboration.
• Increase exposure of your professional profile.
• Increase the impact of your research.
• Allow for metrics that demonstrate impact and value for money of your research.