Understanding Open Access Publishing
A clear explanation of what open access publishing is, how its main models differ, and what Creative Commons licensing means for authors and readers.
A clear explanation of what open access publishing is, how its main models differ, and what Creative Commons licensing means for authors and readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is open access publishing?
Open access (OA) publishing makes the full text of peer-reviewed research articles freely available online, immediately upon publication, with no subscription or paywall. Authors typically retain copyright and the article is released under a Creative Commons licence (most often CC BY 4.0).
What are the types of open access?
The main types are: Gold OA (articles freely available on the publisher's website immediately, usually funded by an APC), Green OA (the published or accepted version is deposited in an institutional or subject repository, often after an embargo), Diamond OA (free for both readers and authors, usually funded by institutions or grants), and Hybrid OA (subscription journal where individual articles can be made open for an APC).
Is open access publishing free for authors?
Not always. Gold and hybrid OA journals typically charge an Article Processing Charge (APC) ranging from a few hundred to several thousand US dollars. Diamond OA journals are free for both readers and authors. EP Journals Group operates an affordable APC structure and offers fee waivers for unfunded authors.
What is the CC BY 4.0 licence?
CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International) allows anyone to share, copy, redistribute, adapt, and build upon the work — including for commercial purposes — provided they give appropriate credit to the original author and indicate any changes. CC BY 4.0 is the gold standard for open access licensing and is required by most major research funders.
Do open access papers get cited more?
Multiple studies suggest yes — open access articles receive on average 18–50% more citations than equivalent paywalled articles, though the size of the 'OA citation advantage' varies by discipline. The simplest explanation is that more readers can access OA articles, which increases the chance of citation.