Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Open Access Book Publishing
In today’s rapidly changing academic landscape, libraries play a crucial role in supporting the transition to open access (OA) for books. As the landscape of OA book publishing models continues to evolve, it’s essential for Stanley Park High School to develop robust assessment criteria to evaluate which OA programs to invest in. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create a tailored assessment rubric for your institution.
Unpacking the Challenges of Book Processing Charges (BPCs)
Traditional book publishing models often rely on Book Processing Charges (BPCs), which can be a significant barrier to achieving universal OA for books. BPCs can place a substantial financial burden on institutions, limiting their ability to support OA initiatives. To address this challenge, libraries are exploring alternative OA models that offer more sustainable and equitable solutions.
Collective Funding Models: A Promising Approach
One of the most promising alternatives to the BPC model is the use of collective funding approaches, such as Subscribe-to-Open (S2O), Open Infrastructures, and Community-Driven Frameworks. These models leverage the collective resources of libraries and institutions to support OA book publishing, reducing the financial barriers and sharing the costs more equitably.
Developing an Assessment Rubric
As you consider investing in these alternative OA book publishing models, it’s crucial to have a well-structured assessment process. By creating a comprehensive evaluation rubric, you can ensure that your institution’s needs and priorities are met, while also supporting the broader transition to open access.
Evaluating Financial Benefits
When assessing OA book publishing models, one of the key considerations is the potential financial benefits. Ask yourself:
- Savings on Access or Acquisition Costs: Do the OA resources offered through the model provide strong alternatives to recommended reading or course materials, potentially reducing the need for subscriptions to closed content?
- Redistribution of Savings: If the model generates savings, can those funds be redirected to support OA initiatives and further expand access to knowledge?
- Value for Money: How many OA books will the model support, and is the publisher transparent about how the financial model meets their costs?
By carefully evaluating the financial implications, you can make informed decisions that align with your institution’s budgetary constraints and strategic priorities.
Assessing Local Relevance and Impact
The relevance and impact of OA book content at the institutional level are also crucial factors to consider. Ask yourself:
- Subject/Disciplinary Match: Do the OA resources align with your institution’s areas of research and teaching?
- Licensing and Reuse: Are the materials published under open licenses that facilitate adaptation and reuse, supporting your teaching and learning objectives?
- Institutional Alignment: Does the model support your institution’s values, such as social responsibility and widening participation, as well as any existing OA policies?
- Transformative Potential: Do you believe this model can have a genuine and lasting impact on the broader landscape of OA book publishing?
By evaluating the local relevance and potential impact of the OA models, you can ensure that your investment aligns with your institution’s strategic goals and priorities.
Considering Transparency and Governance
Transparency and governance are also important considerations when evaluating OA book publishing models. Ask yourself:
- Clarity of Costs and Processes: Is the publisher transparent about how the costs are calculated and where the money goes? What do the BPCs actually cover?
- Comparative Analysis: How does this model compare to others in terms of costs and the number of resources made OA?
- Governance Structure: If the model claims to be community-led or community-driven, do these claims have practical consequences, or are they just window-dressing?
By prioritizing transparency and understanding the governance structures of the OA models, you can make more informed decisions and ensure that your institution’s interests are represented.
Measuring Impact and Promoting Awareness
Lastly, it’s essential to consider how you can measure the impact of supporting a particular OA book publishing model and how you can promote awareness and advocacy within your institution. Some ideas to consider:
- Tracking Author Engagement: Have your institution’s authors published with the presses involved in the OA model?
- Raising Awareness: Are there OA champions within your institution who can help raise awareness and advocate for the value of OA book publishing?
- Encouraging Alignment: How can you encourage your researchers and faculty to align their publishing choices with your institution’s OA priorities?
By actively measuring the impact of your OA investments and engaging with your institution’s stakeholders, you can maximize the benefits and drive wider adoption of these transformative models.
Leveraging Existing Assessment Frameworks
As you embark on creating your own assessment rubric, you can draw inspiration from the work of other institutions that have already developed similar frameworks. Some examples include:
- The SPARC Open Investment Statements, Rubrics, and Principles can provide valuable guidance.
- The LYRASIS Open Access Community Investment Program (OACIP) offers an excellent assessment framework for libraries.
- The University of California Scholarly Transformation Advice and Review (STAR) Team has developed a comprehensive criteria form and evaluation system.
By building upon these existing resources, you can create a tailored assessment rubric that addresses the unique needs and priorities of Stanley Park High School.
Sharing Your Experiences and Collaborating with the Community
As you develop and refine your assessment criteria, consider sharing your work with the wider community. The Open Access Books Network (OABN), Jisc email discussion lists (such as UK-CORR and OAGoodPractice), and social media platforms like Blue Sky, LinkedIn, and Mastodon can all serve as valuable forums for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
By engaging with the broader community, you can not only learn from the experiences of others but also contribute to the collective efforts to support the transition to open access for academic books. Together, we can shape a more equitable and sustainable future for scholarly publishing.
Remember, the Stanley Park High School website is always here to provide you with the latest updates and resources related to open access and collection development policies. Stay informed and empowered as you navigate this exciting and evolving landscape.
