Open access simply aims to allow everyone free electronic access to published peer-reviewed research.
Open access journals started in the sciences, but have become much more widespread across all disciplines. There are also further levels of open access which relate to the usage of less restrictive copyright licences.
Making research outputs available open access may also increase the readership and number of citations.
Government policy has encouraged the development of open access publishing and other open access initiatives.
Many of the larger funding bodies have now issued their own open access policies.
As open access becomes a reality, journal publishing is in a transition period, moving away from traditional publishing where journals are paid for by subscriptions by institutions and individuals to other open access publishing models. The main types of open access journal publishing are:
• Green open access publishing requires time not money. Journal publishers usually embargo free open access to articles for a period of time. If articles are published in a repository, this method is sometimes also called 'self-archiving'.
• Gold open access publishing requires money not time. Article Processing Charges (APCs) are paid by authors or institutions to allow immediate publication of articles in gold open access journals.
Research England has introduced requirements for researchers submitting research outputs to the REF 2021
If you want to find out more you can read the full open access policy which is contained within the final version of the REF Guidance on submissions (PDF).
Birmingham Newman's policy on open access publishing (PDF) encourages the use of green open access publishing for Birmingham Newman researchers.
Journal articles that have been accepted for publication after 1st April 2016, published in a journal with an ISSN
Conference proceedings that have been accepted for publication after 1st April 2016, published in a journal or conference paper with an ISSN
You need to deposit your research in Birmingham Newman's repository.
To give us time to process your request you need to tell us within 2 months from the date your research was accepted for publication. This will give us enough time to complete the process within 3 months and will make sure your research complies with the REF Open Access policy .
We have made this process straight forward for you by creating some easy to use online forms. For more information, including links to the online forms go to our Depositing your research page
Or contact our team of Academic Service Librarians
Why not set yourself up with an ORCiD iD? Once you have registered you will get a unique number which identifies you as a researcher. It's free and easy to register.
Last reviewed: 14 November 2023
