Institutions and open access
The research outputs of a university are significant assets for both the institution and for the individual researcher. But to have the most impact these research outputs need to be visible – if they are not easily accessible then they are less likely to be shared, built upon and cited by others.
The financial benefits of open access
Open access can save institutions money. JISC has funded the development of a methodology whereby universities can consistently and with confidence estimate the costs and benefits to them of taking steps to move towards open access. The study also features an analysis of research and library costs in four representative UK universities.
The value of open access policies
An open access policy encourages or requires authors of research papers who are employed by a university to ensure that publications resulting from research funded from the public purse are available without charge over the internet. Institutions that have implemented an open access policy have seen a range of benefits.
Building reputation with open access
Open access has clear reputational advantages for institutions. If the research undertaken by its scholars can be found and used more easily, the institution benefits by association. At the institutional level, research with more impact means increased visibility online, creating a wider shop window for the university. Research funders are increasingly needing to see the return on their investment and value for money, and evidence of research impact is a crucial way that higher education demonstrates its value.
Find out more about measuring open access benefits
Find out how the combination of leadership, policy and professional support has been successful in making the University of Salford’s USIR open repository into a global success story
Find out how researchers, academics, service providers and senior management at the University of Southampton have been working together for ten years in a partnership to underpin an “open” approach to research and learning resources based on the repository model
Read JISC open access reports relating to institutions