Open Access Designation
nounPronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ˈækses ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪʃən/
The formal assignment of an article's access level, specifying whether it is freely available to all readers (gold open access), accessible through institutional subscriptions only (subscription access), or available after an embargo period. This designation affects discoverability, licensing terms, and author copyright arrangements.
Plain English
The classification that determines whether readers can access an article for free or must have a subscription.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The open access designation for this article was determined by the author's funding agency requirements."
Style guide notes: Use lowercase 'open access' except in formal titles; distinguish between gold, green, and diamond OA models.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gold open access?
Articles immediately available free to all readers, often requiring author publication fees.
Can authors change access designation later?
Policies vary; some journals allow conversion from subscription to open access for a fee.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Critical for editorial decisions regarding journal business model and author compliance.
Required skill level: Mid