RLUK/SCONUL response to BIS statement on access to publicly funded research

The Government has announced that it has accepted all the recommendations of the Finch report except the recommendation on reducing the VAT on e-journals.   It stresses Government’s preference for “gold” over “green” open access. Its response can be found here: http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/science/docs/l/12-975-letter-government-response-to-finch-report-research-publications

RLUK and SCONUL welcome the commitment of the UK government to ensure that publicly funded scientific research is made available for  anyone to read for free.  They agree with Science Minister David Willetts that “Removing paywalls that surround taxpayer funded research will have real  economic and social benefits.”

They point out that the transition from older models of publishing  to open access (OA) will take some time and will have serious cost implications. They also have concerns about the length of embargo periods for green open access suggested in the Finch Report. They would like to see more modelling of the potential transition scenarios – in particular focussing on the interplay between and interdependence of green and gold OA, and the possible role of national licensing.

Read their response here: http://www.sconul.ac.uk/news/rluk_sconul_response