The University of Alberta Library has been pursuing publisher contracts that eliminate Article Processing Charges (APCs) for U of A-affiliated authors, facilitating greater dissemination of U of A research results. We are pleased to announce that two new agreements are now in effect for 2024 and beyond via our national Library consortium, the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN). Both the Oxford and Elsevier agreements are in effect for 2024-2026.
The Elsevier Agreement
University of Alberta authors are now eligible for unlimited Open Access publishing in over 1,800 Elsevier Hybrid journals with no Article Processing Charge (APC), including in 165 Core Hybrid Specialty journals. Additionally, as a measure to ensure the ongoing eligibility of journals, any titles that convert from Hybrid to Fully Gold OA within the term of the agreement will remain eligible for APC-free publication. Gold journals are eligible for a small discount on APC fees.
According to data pulled from Web of Science, Elsevier is the top publisher of University of Alberta research output. In 2023, U of A authors published more than 1,000 articles in the hybrid journals covered by this agreement, so we expect this to lead to substantial savings for our researchers.
The Oxford Agreement
University of Alberta authors are eligible for unlimited Open Access publishing in over 350 Oxford hybrid journals with no Article Processing Charge (APC). In addition, a small discount will be applied to the APCs for Gold journals. Journals that convert to a Gold model during the term of the agreement will remain eligible for APC-free publishing. This agreement applies to articles accepted beginning February 1, 2024, but articles accepted in January 2024 will be reviewed for retroactive conversion to OA.
Denise LaFitte, Acting Vice-Provost (Library & Museums) and Chief Librarian, and Chair of the CRKN Content Strategy Committee, noted, “The University of Alberta Library is committed to enabling open access dissemination of research, with the goal of advancing knowledge. We are pleased to participate in these agreements with Elsevier and Oxford, removing significant cost-barriers for UofA authors to publish OA.”
In Forward with Purpose, the strategic plan for research and innovation, the University has committed to increasing open access works by 50% by 2028. Aminah Robinson-Fayek, Vice President (Research and Innovation), stated, “I am delighted with the announcement of these new agreements that will facilitate open-access publishing for University of Alberta authors, creating additional opportunities to share our research and innovation excellence. This initiative advances our commitment to ensuring the widespread dissemination of our world-leading research results and fostering innovation as the institution moves forward with purpose.”
In addition to these new agreements, the Library has renewed the contract with SAGE for another three years (2024-2026), and negotiated a new discount with IEEE. Please visit the library’s Article Processing Charge Support website for a full list of publishers for which APC fees have been eliminated or discounted.
Uptake of similar agreements has been strong. In 2023, 90% of eligible U of A authors took advantage of the Library’s agreement with Wiley, leading to savings of more than $1 million if APCs had been charged to authors directly. 91% of eligible authors made their work Open at no charge via our Sage agreement, representing a savings of $400,000. The Library hopes to see the level of participation continue to grow. Please spread the word among your colleagues, so all eligible authors can take advantage of these arrangements.
Many thanks to Alison Henry, Acting Head of Collection Strategies for authoring this post.
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