Monographs and Open Access

Abstract:  This article presents the project that I led for HEFCE on the implications of OA (open access) for monographs and other long-form research publications. The likely requirement that books should be OA if submitted to the REF (Research Excellence Framework) after next means that OA development must be based on an understanding of the importance of the monograph in the AHSS (arts, humanities and social sciences) as well as the challenges involved in making the transition to online OA. The project focused on three issues and each is summarized in turn in the article: What is the place of the monograph and other long-form publications in AHSS disciplines that makes it so important? What is happening to the monograph and is there a crisis as some suggest? What are the issues involved in moving monographs into a digital and OA environment – not just the challenge of effective business models but also many other aspects of sustaining and enhancing the qualities of the monograph? These include third-party rights, technical challenges, licences and the need for international collaboration.