Abstract

This text explores opportunities for research libraries in the current context of transition to a gold open access model. First, political and organizational considerations are discussed, drawing directly from proposals presented at the recent Berlin 12 Open Access Conference and the unavoidable disagreements in the international open access community about the implementation of this large-scale open access model. Second, we discuss some of the areas where further work is required in order to support the transition to gold open access. Based on the experience implementing the EC/OpenAIRE FP7 Post-Grant Open Access Pilot, three specific areas are described where research libraries need to focus their attention: familiarization with research projects that are being done at their institution, participation in a joint effort to tackle predatory publishing, and intervention in the academic publishing cycle at an earlier stage.

Abstract

The Alternative Funding Mechanism for APC-free Open Access journals and platforms implemented by the European Commission FP7 Post-Grant Open Access (OA) Pilot are described. This funding initiative, rolled out by the OpenAIRE project, aims to test the workflows around gold OA publishing, for titles that do not charge processing fees to their authors. The funding consists on specific technical improvements, according to plans proposed by journals and approved in previously selected bids. The main areas where these technical enhancements are being implemented are listed.