From: Ann Shumelda Okerson <[log in to unmask]> Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2015 21:59:50 -0500 Berlin 12 Conference Focuses on Proposal to Flip Subscription Journals to Open Access Reporte by Kathleen Shearer. Association of Research Libraries Partnership Consultant "On December 8 and 9, 2015, representatives from several regions (Asia, Europe, and North America) met in Berlin, Germany, to discuss a proposal to flip subscription-based journals to open access models. The initiative is being led by the Max Planck Society, the organizer and host of the invitation-only Berlin 12 Open Access Conference. The rationale for the initiative is based on an analysis undertaken by Max Planck Digital Library (MPDL), which found that a flip to open access would be possible at no financial risk, “maybe even at lower overall costs” to the system. "The objective of the conference was to build a consensus for an internationally coordinated effort to shift libraries’ journal budgets away from subscriptions and towards article processing costs (APCs). The meeting was attended by 96 participants from 19 countries, with several US and Canadian representatives. The major point of discussion was an expression of interest (EOI) that would form the basis for gaining support and moving forward with the initiative. Once published, organizations will be invited to sign the EOI and it will be used to galvanize interest in the initiative around the world." Ms. Shearer's full report is found at: http://www.arl.org/storage/documents/publications/2015.12.18-Berlin12Report.pdf Interesting to read about what may be be an underlying difference between the US and other countries on the matter of conversion to open access. At least some US representatives seek a transition in which there are real reductions in the costs of the scholarly publications system and assert that a key to success is greater competition in that system. The Max Planck proposal appears to be more straightforward -- a swap (flip) of subscription payments for models that assure open access.