Open Access

Open Access (OA) is a model for access to research and scholarship. It is defined by the Budapest Open Access Initiative, as content whose "free availability on the public internet, permit[s] any users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles..." The Budapest definition also includes the ability to data-mine and remix works; other organizations have a narrower definition, focusing only on freely available access to read/view. The PLoS How Open Is It Open Access Spectrum guide illustrates the full spectrum of open access options.

Open Access refers to the method of access and is not a reflection on quality. Some journals (particularly in the sciences) may ask their authors to pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) to offset the cost of making their article open access. APCs are not an indicator of a low-quality publication and may be written into some grant applications.

Consider publishing open access so that more researchers and the public will have greater access to your work.

For more information on Open Access please consult the resources linked below:

• SPARC-Why Open Access?
• Open Access Overview by Peter Suber. Peter Suber is one the leading voices on open access.
• Open for Collaboration: Why open access publishing creates more networking opportunities for young scientists

Open Access publishing isn't just for faculty. Students are important contributors to the movement who can make valuable connections and gain immediate access to data and discoveries that can enrich their own research.

*W FPC 18-01 Sense of the Senate: In Support of Open Access Publishing for CSUDH Faculty Publications

Some open access materials can be found indexed in library-subscribed databases. The following resources are OA in their entirety.

Open Journal Systems (OJS) is a journal management platform to create open, online, peer-reviewed publications. The CSU Office of the Chancellor provides hosting and technical support for OJS journals produced by CSU faculty and students. 

Need more help and advice on scholarly communication topics? We have more guides on your rights as an author, copyright, and more that can help get you started.