From: Stevan Harnad <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2015 12:19:50 -0400

Harnad, Stevan (2015) Optimizing Open Access Policy

Serials Review (in press) http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/381526/

Abstract

This overview of the current status of Open Access (OA) to
peer-reviewed research describes the steps that need to be taken to
achieve universal OA. Policy initiatives by universities and funding
agencies as well as adaptations by publishers have resulted in some
progress toward universal OA, but a significant portion of research
remains inaccessible to its would-be users because of subscription
barriers. Institutions are forced to support both journal
subscriptions and “Gold OA” author publication fees; this is not
affordable or sustainable. More and stronger OA mandates will
accelerate the provision of universal “Green OA” (author
self-archiving) and an eventual transition to affordable, sustainable
Gold OA, in which author fees replace institutional subscription fees
to cover the remaining essential costs of journal publication. To
accelerate progress, more institutions and funders need to adopt
effective OA mandates. All universities and funders should require:
(1) institutional deposit of the (2) final draft immediately on
acceptance for publication; and urge (but not require):  (3) immediate
OA, (4) author rights-retention, (5) minimization of allowable embargo
length, (6) implementation of the copy-request Button, (7) provision
of rich usage and citation metrics, and (8) having the repository
deposit of publications be the locus for institutional performance
review as well as funding applications and renewals.