From: Sandy Thatcher <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2012 16:18:03 -0500

This FAQ at the Springer site partially answers Ann's question:

> Frequently Asked Questions
>
> 1. What does it cost to publish a SpringerOpen book?
> SpringerOpen books charge a publication fee at the beginning of the publication process. This fee varies depending on the number of pages per book.
>
> 2. My institution participates in the Open Access Membership Program. Do I benefit from this Membership when publishing a SpringerOpen book?
> Yes, you do benefit from your institution's Open Access Membership. If your institution is a Member, you will receive a loyalty discount on the publication fee, regardless of the type of Membership.
>
> 3. I want to publish a SpringerOpen book. Who should I contact?
> Please get in touch with your existing publishing contact at Springer or email Veronika Spinka, SpringerOpen Books Coordinator.

It's also clear from other information at the site that there is an
option to buy a print version, from which Springer no doubt expects to
recoup some of its costs.

This is, in any event, a very welcome development. (I note that the OA
version is being made available under the CC-BY-NC license, so would
not count as OA for some purists.)

Sandy Thatcher



> From: Ann Shumelda Okerson <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2012 20:12:00 -0400
>
>> From Springer, of possible interest (with thanks to Gary Price of
>
> INFOdocket).  Not quite clear how the business model works, but
> perhaps some on this list know the details.   Ann Okerson
>
> ************
>
> http://www.springer.com/about+springer/media/pressreleases?SGWID=0-11002-6-1387743-0
>
> "Springer is expanding its open access (OA) program by offering a
> fully open access option for books, which will extend Springer's
> established SpringerOpen and BioMed Central journal portfolio, and its
> Springer Open Choice option. Any electronic version of a SpringerOpen
> book is fully and immediately OA, and thus freely accessible on
> SpringerLink for anyone in the world with access to the internet."