Open access : opportunities and challenges ; a handbook / European Commission, Directorate-General for Research ; German Commission for UNESCO

Abstract

Preface by Jane Potocnik: "We live in a digital age that has opened up unprecedented opportunities for the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Sharing this knowledge efficiently is crucial for the future of European research. One much debated way of sharing scientific information, and in particular peer-reviewed academic publications, is open access. In 2006, the European Commission';s Directorate General for Research commissioned a study investigating the scientific publishing market in Europe. In 2007, the European Commission adopted a Communication which acknowledges the need for new initiatives leading to wider access to and dissemination of scientific information. I am pleased that EU Member States entered the debate in 2007 by adopting Council Conclusions calling for the reinforcement of national strategies and enhanced co-ordination between Member States regarding access, preservation and dissemination policies and practices. The debate on open access is controversial and complex, with stakeholders displaying widely contrasting opinions. I strongly believe that we must work towards solutions that offer the research community rapid and wide dissemination of results. At the same time, I am convinced that there must be fair remuneration for scientific publishers who invest in tools and mechanisms to organise the flow of information and the peer review system. I welcome this handbook which presents the various views of major stakeholders and covers a wide range of issues relevant to open access. I view it as a very useful and timely contribution to the debate on open access."