(Feb 2026) “Transformative agreements (TAs) are a relatively new type of journal package that typically includes both access to the publisher’s paywalled content and coverage of the open access (OA) publishing fees for an institution’s authors. As many libraries have entered into these agreements in recent years, analyses of their “value” are increasingly being presented at conferences and in the literature. However, these assessments often reveal inconsistencies in how TAs are defined. The term “transformative agreement” is broad, encompassing considerable complexity and diversity in terms and requirements. It is important that we have a clear understanding of what is being assessed. Additionally, we must critically engage with the language that publishers use surrounding TAs, not simply adopt or amplify their terms by framing results of these agreements as “cost savings.
We suggest exercising caution when using language that assesses the value of TAs and recommend considering several key questions to guide this reflection: How are terms such as “value,” “savings,” and “cost avoidance” defined? What indicators are used to assess success? Do these indicators account for administrative costs—such as launching new platforms, developing new processes, or the human labor required to administer these agreements—which are often rendered invisible to authors who benefit directly from not paying an article processing charge (APC)? We contend that in most cases, it is more accurate to describe “value” or “cost savings” as a shift or redistribution of funds. It is also important to recognize that the “value” of TAs can be perceived in other ways, such as eliminating barriers to authors and facilitating more OA content. Here we aim to initiate a conversation among collections librarians and scholarly communications librarians about these issues, with the goal of developing a shared understanding and consistent language for discussing and assessing TAs.”
Several librarians from the University of Ottawa and the University of Saskatchewan share their experience in this article.
