The MIT Press is set to continue its pioneering work in open access publishing with the expansion of its Direct to Open (D2O) initiative in 2025. Now entering its fourth funding cycle, D2O offers a diamond open access model for monographs, ensuring that vital scholarship is freely accessible to readers worldwide without the financial barriers that often accompany traditional publishing.
Under the D2O model, libraries and consortia can support the program by committing to fund it through November 30, 2024. This collective support allows authors to publish their work open access, regardless of their or their institution’s ability to pay a Book Processing Charge (BPC). This is especially crucial for scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as independent researchers who may not have the financial resources to cover publication fees.
By providing immediate, un-embargoed access to the latest research, D2O helps level the playing field for researchers globally. The initiative enriches scholarly communication by ensuring that a greater diversity of perspectives is included in academic discourse, particularly from underrepresented communities.
The impact of D2O is evident in the results from its first three years. According to the inaugural Direct to Open impact report, books published under the D2O model reach significantly larger global audiences and receive more citations than their paywalled counterparts. On average, open access Humanities and Social Sciences books are used 3.75 times more and receive 21% more citations, while open access STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) books are used 2.67 times more and receive 15% more citations.
Readers from all over the world benefit from this model, gaining immediate access to cutting-edge research without financial constraints. As D2O continues into 2025, MIT Press remains committed to making high-quality scholarship accessible to all, with the ongoing support of its library partners. Participating libraries not only contribute to the opening of new frontlist titles but also gain exclusive access to a backlist collection of over 2,400 titles, providing tangible benefits to their local communities.
The expansion of Direct to Open underscores MIT Press’s dedication to democratizing access to knowledge and fostering a more inclusive global scholarly community.
Click here to read the original press release.
