A recent report by the DIAMAS work package, led by SPARC Europe, sheds light on the sustainability of Diamond Open Access (OA) publishing in Europe. The report delves into the intricacies of institutional publishing, highlighting the diverse nature of institutional publishers and service providers, which vary in mission, size, and service offerings.
One of the key findings of the report is the range of challenges faced by institutional Diamond OA publishers. These challenges include a lack of financial resources, instability in personnel, and a heavy dependence on parent organizations for support. Moreover, there is a shared vision among these publishers for a funding landscape that eschews author-pays models in favor of continued financial backing from public bodies, institutions, and research funding organizations.
The report emphasizes the need for more stable and long-term funding for Diamond OA publishing. Currently, many institutional publishing service providers (IPSPs) rely on time-limited grants, which can lead to administrative burdens and uncertainty about future sustainability. While IPSPs primarily rely on parent organizations for support, they often have to negotiate for resources, especially personnel, which are crucial for their financial sustainability.
In light of these challenges, the report calls for continued commitment from universities, academic libraries, research institutions, and public bodies to provide fixed and permanent funding for local publishing initiatives. It also underscores the importance of supporting infrastructures that cater to small to mid-sized IPSPs and initiatives aimed at enhancing technical and financial sustainability in the mid to long term.
As discussions around open access and scholarly communication continue to evolve, the insights provided by this report are expected to inform strategic decisions aimed at bolstering the sustainability of Diamond OA publishing across the continent.
Click here to read the original press release.
