Open Access publishing and implications for society journals | British Ornithologists' Union

Of particular concern to societies is the uncertainty that will be introduced to journal budgets. Access to journal publications is often a key benefit of society membership, and many societies rely greatly on the income generated by journal sales to members and libraries. These resources are used to fund many other activities that are critically important in science development and dissemination, including providing conferences, research funds and facilitating communication and collaboration among researchers. Altering the funding model for journal publishing may therefore have implications for scientific research far beyond journal access. In particular, the length of the embargo period between publication and open access is likely to be key in determining whether libraries and members continue to subscribe to journals. Determining suitable APC conditions and managing the transition to new funding structures will therefore be critically important in maintaining the fundamental role that societies play in the delivery and development of scientific research. Concerns over society journals were considered in the Finch Report, but the clear momentum behind the transition to open access means that societies will have to act with perhaps uncharacteristic speed in responding to these challenges.