The SNSF launched the OAPEN-CH pilot project in summer 2014. At that time, it had introduced new funding policies that only covered books that were published online and openly accessible after an embargo period of no more than 24 months. The pilot study set out to learn more about the changes to academic publishing and pave the way for future adaptations to funding policies.
The findings of the shared learning process are now available. They are encouraging in that they produce a clear verdict for the scientific monograph: a digital edition that is freely available on the Internet increases the trackability, visibility and use of monographs. Open access does not have a negative impact on printed book sales. Facilitating and promoting open access will benefit the academic community and society at large as well as publishers and funders.
The results of the OAPEN-CH pilot study have already been integrated into the new open access policy of the SNSF, which entered into force on 1 April 2018.
Final Report
OAPEN-CH – The impact of open access on scientific monographs in Switzerland. A project conducted by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)(PDF, 3.5 MB)
News
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23.04.2018
Scientific books that are freely and digitally accessible have a greater reach. The influence of open access on sales figures is limited. These are just two of the insights obtained in the OAPEN-CH pilot project conducted by the SNSF.
Open access makes books more visible: Details
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09.08.2016
In the context of the second call of the OAPEN-CH pilot project, the SNSF is funding the publication of 52 new books.
OAPEN-CH: Taking stock after the second call: Details
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17.12.2015
The SNSF is funding 27 open access books in the pilot project OAPEN-CH. The second call for proposals will be launched on 15 February 2016.
First open access books published: Details
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18.12.2014
In February 2015, the SNSF will start the OAPEN-CH pilot project in collaboration with interested academic publishers. The aim is to learn more about Open Access publishing and collect data on the use and the production costs of Open Access book publications.
Book publishing: launch of OAPEN-CH pilot project: Details
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30.06.2014
Based on feedback from the scientific community and further discussions with representatives of academic publishers, the SNSF has again reviewed its new publication funding model and adjusted it in certain points. It now envisages slightly higher financial contributions for guaranteed publisher services and a pilot project with the publishers.
Publication funding: specific adjustments: Details
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28.05.2014
In its response to Councillor of States Géraldine Savary’s interpellation "Open Access: a threat to publishers?" the Federal Council supports the new publication funding and OA policy of the SNSF in its principles.
Federal Council responds to OA interpellation: Details
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06.05.2014
Swiss publishers in the humanities and social sciences have started a petition against the new publication funding scheme of the SNSF. The SNSF has taken note of the criticism with regard to the changes and wishes to state its position and explain individual aspects of the new approach.
Publication funding: the SNSF clarifies: Details
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16.04.2014
The SNSF is adapting its publication funding: as of 1 July 2014, support will focus on digital and open access book publications; this corresponds to the rules applying to the publication of journal articles. At the same time, the SNSF will create the option to claim publication costs within the budget of an SNSF-funded project.
Overhaul of SNSF publication funding: Details