Library Consortia and Article Processing Charges: An International Survey

Abstract

In the rapidly changing scholarly communications landscape, article processing charges (APCs) have emerged as a complex issue with many implications for libraries. This paper explores the role of library consortia in relation to article processing charges (APCs) based on the results of a survey of international library consortia. The issues, challenges, and risks identified by respondents are discussed, as well as some of the potential larger implications of libraries" and library consortia"s involvement in this area.

Library as a consortium perspective: A systematic literature review

“…commercialization of open access (Willinsky, 2018). Horava and Ward (2016) state that the attention paid to this matter, especially on the author’s side, reveals the growth of that market.…”

“…With the growing open access movement, and consequently the application of APC, the terms of contract need to be reconsidered. The terms of the agreement, now besides the subscription, include the publication’s compensation agreements so that the institution’s researchers can publish in open access, with the library belonging to the consortium to some extent already paying to have access to that journal (Melo and Pires, 2012; Horava and Ward, 2016).…”

“…Some consortia already include the costs of APC in the big deal contract. However, this is a complex matter, which has appeared in discussions about access to scientific communication and consortia’s participation in this field (Horava and Ward, 2016). In this context, library consortia have led the discussions and negotiations to find terms of contract appropriate to institutional and commercial interests, in a win-win partnership with publishers.…”

“…Horava and Ward (2016) analysed the role of library consortia in negotiating the terms of APC through a survey made in a library consortium federation. In principle, the aims of negotiation were the best price and access licences.…”

“…Nevertheless, the authors highlight that this path is still being explored by consortia, as unlike previous licensing parameters, negotiating APC requires different ways of measuring objectives and expectations. Terms of contract, now besides the subscription, can include terms of compensation for publication, so that researchers in a given institution can publish in open access, since the consortium library to some extent already pays for access to that scientific journal (Horava and Ward, 2016).…”