UK's open access policies have global consequences

"A report released recently has highlighted how out of step the UK has become with the rest of the world on open access policies. The UK has sought to be a leader in making publicly-funded research openly available but has taken a very different approach to Australia and even the European Commission. The problem is, scientific publishing is a global business, so the consequences of the UK’s decisions are felt far beyond its borders. The House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Committee has warned the government that it is making a mistake by preferring “gold” open access over other models, arguing that it is publishing companies that benefit from this approach rather than scientists or the public. Following an inquiry into the matter, the committee published a report suggesting that the UK’s open access policy should be revised. This policy was introduced by Research Councils UK on April 1 this year following a government commissioned report that recommended focusing on the “gold” open access model. There was considerable disquiet from those in the know outside the UK at the time of the report, given that “green” open access is favoured by many. It is agreed that UK research should be made publicly available. But the method by which this is to be achieved is being disputed by many. The gold model that is emerging in the UK supports the expensive and unsustainable method of paying for an article to be published either in an open access journal or an otherwise subscription-based journal, which is known as “hybrid” publishing. Last week’s report from the UK parliament calls on the government and RCUK to review their preference for paid open access during the five-year transition period that is underway and give further consideration to the critical role of the green route. Through the green route, research findings are placed in repositories that are free to access. This often happens after an embargo period, during which time journals can still charge for access to the work ..."