Open Access and the Future of Art Scholarship

[Abstract] There are many arguments for the necessity of open access, scholarship that is freely available online; however, many of these arguments do not apply to art scholarship—is it then still necessary to change the publishing model? I argue that it is; the high price of access to traditional publications closes art scholarship to all but privileged Western academics. Open access is key to creating a globally integrated community of art scholars and reengaging the public in art discourse. Librarians can help facilitate a scholarship that is accessible to all.