The open access community framework (OACF) phase 2 is now open to submissions from not-for-profit monograph publishers until May 5, 2023, after a successful pilot in 2022. The OACF scheme connects not-for-profit “diamond” open access publishers, operating under a free-to-read, free-to-publish model, with the higher education sector. The framework aims to support diversity in the open access marketplace. Changes to this year's framework are designed to reduce the burden of Book Processing Charges (BPCs) on publishers.
Under the scheme, UK higher education libraries can pledge their support to publishers over a three-year period. The OACF can help smaller publishers expand the number of titles they produce, improve data processes and marketing efforts to increase sustainability. The second phase of the scheme will focus on monographs and books in series to align it with the strategic objectives of sector libraries and the new UKRI monographs policy. Organizers hope that phase two will receive submissions from publishers that focus on British-based authors and content.
To increase the chances of all submissions reaching their funding target, the second phase of the scheme will reduce the number of publishers put forward to the pledging stage of the process. The successful publishers will be announced at a special webinar in June, after which libraries will be able to pledge their support on the Jisc Licensing Manager platform until December 2023, or until publishers have reached their funding target.
The OACF is an excellent opportunity for smaller not-for-profit publishers to expand their audience and build a sustainable business model. With the help of the HE sector, these publishers can connect with libraries and readers, increasing the accessibility of their publications, and contributing to the diversity of the open access market.
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