A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing

The transition of many academic journals from the subscription model to open access shifts payment for publishing services from readers to producers of knowledge. Although this transition makes publications openly accessible to readers globally, many authors and institutions worldwide face financial...

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Main Authors: Alicia Wise, Dave Jago, Herman Mentink, Lorraine Estelle
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2025-07-01
Series:Insights: The UKSG Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://account.insights.uksg.org/index.php/up-j-i/article/view/695
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author Alicia Wise
Dave Jago
Herman Mentink
Lorraine Estelle
author_facet Alicia Wise
Dave Jago
Herman Mentink
Lorraine Estelle
author_sort Alicia Wise
collection DOAJ
description The transition of many academic journals from the subscription model to open access shifts payment for publishing services from readers to producers of knowledge. Although this transition makes publications openly accessible to readers globally, many authors and institutions worldwide face financial barriers to publishing in the journals they choose at affordable prices. In response, cOAlition S (an international consortium of funding organizations advocating for open access) commissioned Information Power to develop a globally equitable and sustainable pricing model for academic publishing. We recognize that many stakeholders prefer a scholarly publication ecosystem without charges of any kind, and particularly author-facing charges, for open access publishing. While charges remain part of the scholarly communication landscape, then we feel strongly that open and transparent data should be used to calculate more equitable prices that reflect local purchasing power. This article presents the model that has been developed, the guiding principles and tools developed to support implementation, along with background explanations of the key challenges to developing a framework that ensures authors contribute in line with their means. It also discusses stakeholder feedback and explores potential applications of the framework in achieving a fairer and more inclusive scholarly publishing landscape.
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spelling doaj-art-87488e2027f24333ac03f0ceed2240c82025-08-21T12:49:54ZengUbiquity PressInsights: The UKSG Journal2048-77542025-07-0138121210.1629/uksg.695693A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricingAlicia Wise0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7898-3428Dave Jago1Herman Mentink2Lorraine Estelle3https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7941-9848Managing Director, Information Power LtdSenior Consultant, Information Power LtdPriceTacConsultant Emerita, Information Power LtdThe transition of many academic journals from the subscription model to open access shifts payment for publishing services from readers to producers of knowledge. Although this transition makes publications openly accessible to readers globally, many authors and institutions worldwide face financial barriers to publishing in the journals they choose at affordable prices. In response, cOAlition S (an international consortium of funding organizations advocating for open access) commissioned Information Power to develop a globally equitable and sustainable pricing model for academic publishing. We recognize that many stakeholders prefer a scholarly publication ecosystem without charges of any kind, and particularly author-facing charges, for open access publishing. While charges remain part of the scholarly communication landscape, then we feel strongly that open and transparent data should be used to calculate more equitable prices that reflect local purchasing power. This article presents the model that has been developed, the guiding principles and tools developed to support implementation, along with background explanations of the key challenges to developing a framework that ensures authors contribute in line with their means. It also discusses stakeholder feedback and explores potential applications of the framework in achieving a fairer and more inclusive scholarly publishing landscape.https://account.insights.uksg.org/index.php/up-j-i/article/view/695equityopen accesspricingglobalinclusivityfair
spellingShingle Alicia Wise
Dave Jago
Herman Mentink
Lorraine Estelle
A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
Insights: The UKSG Journal
equity
open access
pricing
global
inclusivity
fair
title A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
title_full A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
title_fullStr A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
title_full_unstemmed A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
title_short A model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
title_sort model for publishers to introduce globally fair and transparent pricing
topic equity
open access
pricing
global
inclusivity
fair
url https://account.insights.uksg.org/index.php/up-j-i/article/view/695
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