Sussex exceeds Open Access expectations
The University of Sussex has exceeded a Research Councils UK (RCUK) target for the percentage of articles and papers that should comply with its Policy on Open Access.
If an article or paper is Open Access, it can be read by anyone in the world with an internet connection. As a result, the potential readership of an Open Access article is far greater than one where the full text is restricted to subscribers.
A recently submitted report to RCUK showed that a total of 77% of Sussex RCUK-funded research articles and conference papers identified complied with RCUK’s Policy on Open Access in its first year. This is well ahead of the target of 45% set for all institutions by RCUK.
60% of compliant outputs were made available immediately via journal websites (the so-called “gold route”), and the remainder after a specified embargo period through Sussex Research Online (“green”).
Dr Ian Carter, Director of Research and Enterprise, said: “This figure is encouraging, but there is still work to be done to increase the number of Open Access research outputs across the University.
“This is important not only to comply with external policies, but also to ensure the widest possible dissemination, translation and use of our research.”
HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England) have recently announced that certain research outputs will need to be made available in an Open Access form in order to be eligible for submission for the post-2014 REF (Research Excellence Framework).
As part of International Open Access Week from 20-26 October, the Library is relaunching its Open Access webpages, which provide information on the relevant policies, as well as practical advice on how researchers can make their work Open Access.
The Library also provides guidance for researchers on effective research-data management.