Autumn is a time for reflection and looking back since the summer we wonder where the time has gone, and if we say it ourselves, marvel at the articles we’ve recently published. They examine the evolving landscape of academic publishing, particularly in the context of research integrity, open access and the role of publishing in supporting equitable and sustainable research practices. Our authors have given us a rich dialogue on the shifting responsibilities and innovative approaches that are reshaping the future of scholarly publishing.
Sabina Alam, with over 15 years of expertise in research integrity and ethics, offers a timely exploration of the growing trust issues in academic publishing. Alam underscores the need for publishers and stakeholders alike to adapt in response to these shifting dynamics to maintain the credibility of published work.
On a related note, Robin Sinn and Rachel Caldwell present a novel, community-driven rubric designed to evaluate journal publisher practices, addressing the increasing demand for transparency in how journals operate. This case study highlights how collaborative tools can help the scholarly community assess and enhance publishing standards.
Tasha Mellins-Cohen contributes much-needed clarity to the often complex and confusing realm of open access (OA) business models. Her article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the various OA models, emphasizing both their distinctions and commonalities to aid all of us navigate this expanding landscape.
In their article Rob Johnson and Elle Malcolmson delve into the unintended challenges facing UK learned societies due to the OA transition. They caution that without proactive adaptation, many societies risk losing crucial subscription revenues—a shift that could ultimately threaten their sustainability.
Lastly for now, Allison Langham-Putrow, Emma Molls, Sunshine Carter, and Amy Riegelman from the University of Minnesota explore a more values-driven approach to open access. They critique traditional APC-based models and advocate for sustainable alternatives that align more closely with equity and inclusivity, reflecting a trend towards mindful investment in OA practices that resonate with institutional and ethical values.
Upcoming before the end of this year, we will also bring you Esteban Giraldo-González, Elea Giménez-Toledo and Juan Felipe Córdoba-Restrepo’s work on definitions of an academic publishing house. The criteria they have established may contribute to promoting the recognition of academic publishing. Last but not least, Rita Pinhasi and Brigitte Kromp will share their experience of consortial cost-sharing models in transformative agreements in Austria.
We have some great articles by an international array of authors in the works for 2025. So watch this space! Of course, we are always greedy for more, so please share your case studies, research articles and opinion pieces with the readers of Insights.
Finally, we must also say a huge thanks to those unsung heroes, our peer reviewers. They have worked so thoughtfully, and their feedback has been invaluable to our authors – added to that, they help maintain the integrity of Insights. Please take a look at our most recent call for papers.
Steve and Lorraine
November 2024