Post-secondary institutions looking to open access

Access to peer-reviewed research is becoming more costly for universities, and many academics are seeking future alternatives.

According to the Canadian University Press, subscription prices for a peer-reviewed journal range from $1000 to $40 000 dollars depending on the journal and discipline.

The open access concept allows peer-reviewed journals to be available online for free.

Gaining a following in the early 2000s, Open Access Week gives supporters a setting to discuss initiatives promoting free access.

This year the Quebec conference of principals and rectors representing 19 post-secondary institutions announced its support for open access.

Research chair in cognitive science at Universite de Montreal Stevan Harnad believes that universities need to develop strong green mandates.

In the colour system, green open access allows free access, though the article can still be published in a subscription journal.

Concordia University is the only Canadian university of the 155 post-secondary institutions to have an open access mandate.

Concordia vice-president, research and graduate studies Graham Carr stated that the mandate is a part of an ongoing process of educating people on open access.