Present problems of OPEN Access publication model

Open Access (OA) is an evolving publication model that is heavily supported by politics and science organizations aiming to make scientific knowledge more accessible to a wider audience [1].

Open access publishing is experiencing a surge in popularity as funders, research institutions, scholars, and publishers actively pursue innovative pathways to democratize access to scientific knowledge. This momentum has fostered significant progress in the adoption of novel open access models, yielding numerous advantages for researchers and society at large. However, despite these advancements, several challenges remain on the horizon, necessitating continued dedication and strategic solutions.

Everyone agrees that scientific communication should be free for all. Unfortunately, accessing publications from many reputed journals comes at a high cost—a cost that many researchers and institutions cannot afford. Although, open-access publication model is considered by many as a possible route to ensure that science is free for all; however, it is fraught with its own challenges [2].

Researchers face several disadvantages, primarily stemming from the transition to the open-access publication model. However, the tangible benefits of this shift often manifest in the long term, offering researchers substantial advantages. Consequently, the reluctance to adopt this new publication paradigm may be influenced by the perceived delay in reaping its rewards.

Let’s discuss on some of these issues:

1. Article Processing Charges (APCs): Researchers often encounter financial barriers when choosing OA journals. Article processing charges (APCs) and concerns regarding publication quality are widely recognized as the primary hurdles in this regard, shedding light on a dual assessment of Open Access (OA) models. This dichotomy reflects the diverse perspectives of researchers, whether they are acting as authors or readers. These charges can be prohibitive, especially for those without sufficient funding. Article processing charges (APCs) are a central mechanism for funding open access (OA) scholarly publishing [3].
2. Quality Concerns: Some OA journals may lack rigorous peer review processes, leading to concerns about the quality and reliability of published research. Researchers grapple with distinguishing reputable OA journals from predatory ones. If you opt to publish in predatory journals, simply paying the APC fee guarantees publication—drawing in early-stage researchers who may be unaware of the journal’s lack of authenticity.
3. Predatory Publishers: The emergence of predatory journals—publications that prioritize profit over quality—poses a significant challenge. These journals may exploit researchers by charging fees without maintaining scholarly standards. OA publishers charging a fee are predatory, that OA is too expensive, and that self-depositing papers into institutional or other repositories will cause the demise of the scholarly publishing system [4].
4. Funding Support: While OA aims to democratize science, securing funding for APCs remains a hurdle for many researchers. Without adequate financial support, authors may hesitate to publish in OA journals. Several institutional libraries have already become participants in publisher membership schemes, granting them access to a plethora of open-access articles either free of charge or at discounted rates for their researchers.
5. Self-Archiving Alternatives: Some scientists advocate for self-archiving and pre-print repositories as viable alternatives to OA. These platforms allow researchers to share their work freely while bypassing traditional journal fees.

While significant progress has been made in the evolution of open access publishing models, numerous challenges remain on the horizon. Establishing robust quality standards and implementing a sustainable business framework are imperative to bolster this movement’s momentum.

References

1. Greussing, E., Kuballa, S., Taddicken, M., Schulze, M., Mielke, C., & Haux, R. (2020). Drivers and obstacles of open access publishing. A qualitative investigation of individual and institutional factors. Frontiers in Communication, 5, 587465. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2020.587465/full
2. Chakravorty, N., Sharma, C. S., Molla, K. A., & Pattanaik, J. K. (2022). Open science: Challenges, possible solutions and the way forward. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, 88(3), 456-471. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43538-022-00104-2
3. Solomon, D. J., & Björk, B. C. (2012). A study of open access journals using article processing charges. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 63(8), 1485-1495. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/asi.22673
4. Kingsley, D. A., & Kennan, M. A. (2015). Open access: The whipping boy for problems in scholarly publishing. Association for Information Systems. https://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol37/iss1/14/