Open Access Publishing
noun phrasePronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ˈæksɛs ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ/
A publishing model that makes scholarly articles freely available to readers without subscription barriers, often funded through author fees or institutional support. Content is typically made available under Creative Commons licenses permitting reuse.
Plain English
Making research articles free for anyone to read online without paying for access.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Many academic libraries now actively promote open access publishing to increase research visibility."
Style guide notes: Capitalize as 'Open Access' when used as a proper noun or formal program name; lowercase when used generically.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main funding models for open access publishing?
Author-pays Article Processing Charges (APCs), institutional subscriptions (transformative agreements), foundation grants, and library-subsidized models.
How does open access differ from traditional publishing?
Open access removes paywall barriers and grants users reuse rights, while traditional publishing restricts access to paid subscribers only.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Critical for library professionals evaluating collection development strategies and researcher support services.
Required skill level: Junior