GetFTR, the entitlement checking service designed to streamline access to academic content, has introduced a significant update to better support perpetual rights and journal transfers. This enhancement ensures uninterrupted access to journal content even when a journal changes publishers, benefiting both researchers and publishers alike.
Under the new system, when an institution holds perpetual rights to a journal, GetFTR now routes entitlement requests not only to the current publisher but also to the previous publisher that hosted the journal. This means that researchers can continue accessing content they are entitled to via their institution’s subscription, even if the journal has been transferred to a new publisher. Additionally, researchers can still access content covered by perpetual rights, even if their institution has stopped subscribing to the journal.
The update works by logging journal transfers using freely available data sources from Crossref and ISSN, allowing entitlement requests to be directed to all relevant publishers. If an article is available on multiple platforms, priority is given to the current publisher, with their link appearing in the entitlement response sent to discovery tools.
This enhancement not only increases access to trusted academic content but also helps institutions maximize the value of their subscriptions. It also provides ongoing support for publishers that offer perpetual rights, ensuring a seamless transition for institutions and researchers when journals change hands.
GetFTR’s latest update strengthens the continuity of access to scholarly resources, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the academic community.
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