(9 Mar 2021) OASPA is pleased to announce the publication of an in-depth report and associated recommendations arising from a study of open access journals across the world that are free for readers and authors, usually referred to as “OA diamond journals”.
Funded by Science Europe and commissioned by cOAlition S in order to gain a better understanding of the OA diamond landscape, the publication of the study is the culmination of work undertaken from June 2020 to February 2021 by a consortium of 10 organisations (including OASPA) led by OPERAS. The study uncovers a vast archipelago of up to 29,000 journals, most of which (60%) are in the humanities and social sciences, serving the needs of multiple scientific communities across the world.
Using the results from a widely disseminated survey that was translated into 6 languages, together with focus groups and direct outreach to target journals and platforms, the study examines the core areas which are critical for OA diamond journals to operate, encompassing everything from legal structures and governance to technical capabilities, editorial processes and funding models.
The group used statistical analysis of bibliographic databases, responses from over 1,600 journals, collected more than 7,000 free text submissions and other data from 94 questions, and organised three focus groups with 11 journals and 10 interviews with hosting platforms. The results of the study uncover a number of challenges faced by diamond journals which are presented at length in a findings report published today.
The key findings include:
- A vast archipelago of relatively small journals exists and serves a wide range of communities
- OA diamond journals are on the road to full compliance with Plan S
- Scientific strengths and operational challenges exist in a mix of areas from legal structures to technical capabilities to editorial processes or funding models
- OA diamond journals largely depend on volunteers, universities and government to operate
Key recommendations:
- Streamline technical support
- Ensure compliance with Plan S
- Build capacity
- Increase effectiveness
- Sustain and invest in the future
Kick-start actions:
- Prepare an International Workshop and Symposium on OA diamond within 6 months to initiate a global conversation among different stakeholders
- Set up an OA diamond Funding Strategy within 1 year to implement funding recommendations
- Build the OA diamond Capacity Center within 2 years to support the implementation of recommendations
The press release is here.
