KU Libraries to host an open access event, discuss journal deals

LAWRENCE — KU Libraries will host a virtual talk on open access at the University of Kansas on Oct. 26 in celebration of International Open Access Week.

Open access refers to scholarly literature that is digital, online, free of charge, and free of most copyright and reuse restrictions. KU has a long record of commitment to open access and is the first public institution to establish an open access policy.

During the event, Josh Bolick, head of the David Shulenburger Office of Scholarly Communication & Copyright, will provide an update on KU Libraries’ open access efforts, and he will discuss the national context of open access and recent open access deals with the Public Library of Science (PLOS) and other publishers. Bolick will also talk about the new guidance from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) that will require public access to all federally funded research publications and data.

Some of KU Libraries’ open access efforts have led to agreements with publishers that waive author-side fees for KU researchers. Those fees, called article processing charges, or APCs, can cost thousands of dollars depending on the journal.

“I'm always excited to share information about open access with researchers and with colleagues at KU,” Bolick said. “This is a place that has a long-standing history of advocacy for and embrace of open access.”

The event, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 via Zoom, is free and open to the public. It will include a Q&A and time for discussion. For more information, email Bolick at jbolick@ku.edu. 

— Story by Abdullah Al-Awhad