A new Open Access Book Subvention fund announced Spring 2023 will help support faculty author publications at OU.
Dean of University Libraries Denise Stephens, Dean of the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and David L. Boren Professor and Merrick Chair of Western American History David Wrobel, and Vice President for Research and Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia proudly announce the new fund supported equally by their respective units to encourage open access monographs by OU authors.
“The Open Access Publication Support Fund is a reflection of the ongoing and evolving work we do in academic research libraries in partnership with academic research programs to advance the accessibility to the outcomes of research and creative works,” said Dean Stephens.
“The Dodge Family College of Arts is deeply committed to this important initiative that introduces new readers across the globe to the outstanding research and creative activity of our faculty,” said Dean Wrobel. “We are committed to ensuring that the publication experience for our faculty is as smooth as possible and to assisting them in disseminating their research without barriers.”
“We are proud to support this initiative and reduce barriers for faculty while simultaneously increasing the accessibility of faculty research,” said interim Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships Carol Silva.
Research on open access monographs has indicated the cost of production varies, from as low as $5,000 to $15,000 or higher.
However, open access publishing requires authors cover more of the costs of publication, and inadequate funding deters book authors from considering this model for their work.
Because scholars in book fields have fewer options available to them to increase the potential impact of their research, the new fund will address this need and support OU’s Lead On strategic plan to position the university as a top-tier research institution by increasing the research’s worldwide visibility and impact. Open access research, or “open scholarship,” promotes inclusivity, transparent and trustworthy research, innovation, and collaboration. Open access authors retain the copyright to their work.
Dependent upon costs, the Open Access Book Subvention fund will support the publication of two or more open access books each fiscal year. Proposals utilizing a university press are especially encouraged, and faculty must use publishers that are members of OASPA or adhere to its Code of Conduct.
A minimum of one award each year will be to a faculty member from the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences.
Those interested can find more information about the fund and how to apply here.