Open Access Publishing Agreement
noun phrasePronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ˈækses ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ əˈɡriːmənt/
A contractual arrangement between journal and author whereby the published article is made freely available to all readers immediately upon publication, typically with author or institution paying processing fees. This agreement specifies licensing terms, copyright retention, and reuse permissions.
Plain English
An arrangement where authors pay to make their published article free for anyone to read online, with details about usage rights.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The open access publishing agreement requires authors to pay an article processing charge of $2,500 but ensures worldwide accessibility."
Style guide notes: Use 'Open Access' capitalized when referring to the movement; lowercase 'open access' in descriptive contexts.
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for open access publishing?
Usually authors or their institutions through article processing charges (APCs), though some journals offer waivers for developing countries.
What license do open access articles use?
Most use Creative Commons licenses (CC-BY or CC-BY-NC) specifying how readers can reuse and share the content.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Critical for understanding modern publishing models and author publication responsibilities.
Required skill level: Mid