Transforming the Landscape of Open-Access Book Publishing
The scholarly publishing landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the growing demand for open access to research outputs. At the heart of this evolution is the Open Book Collective (OBC), a collaborative initiative that brings together a diverse array of stakeholders – publishers, publishing service providers, libraries, and knowledge institutions – united in their commitment to fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future for open-access (OA) book-length and long-form scholarship.
The Public Knowledge Project (PKP), a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and reach of scholarly publishing, has recently joined the OBC, further strengthening this dynamic ecosystem. By aligning with the OBC’s mission and principles, PKP aims to empower open-source scholarship, expand access to knowledge, and drive meaningful change in the academic publishing landscape.
Embracing the Open Knowledge Commons
The OBC’s vision is to create a collaborative, resource-sharing ecosystem that exemplifies care, curation, and bibliodiversity in the realm of OA books. Fundamentally, the collective is built on the principles of community-driven initiatives, horizontal working relationships, and a commitment to scaling small rather than scaling up.
“The OBC is not just a financial intermediary between OA initiatives and funders,” explains Dr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick, a renowned scholar and a member of the OBC’s Board of Stewards. “It is an interdependent and mutually reliant community of persons and organizations, all with vested interests in the transformation of academic book publishing, working together to move the needle toward a fully open public commons.”
This ethos aligns perfectly with PKP’s long-standing mission to enhance the quality and reach of scholarly communication through the development and promotion of open-source publishing tools and platforms. By joining the OBC, PKP can leverage the collective’s diverse expertise, collaborative infrastructure, and funding models to further amplify the impact of its open-source initiatives.
Strengthening the Open-Access Ecosystem
The OBC’s innovative approach to funding OA book publishing is a key aspect of its transformative potential. By establishing a consortial funding model, the collective sources small annual contributions from a network of research institutions worldwide, creating a robust revenue stream to support the operations of OA publishers and open publishing service providers.
“This business model encourages university libraries to redirect some of the monies spent on traditional book and ebook purchases toward supporting OA presses and open publishing service providers,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. “Thereby further developing and diversifying their own collections and providing better access to them for the general public.”
The OBC’s platform enables libraries and other knowledge institutions to easily discover, explore, and support a wide range of community-led OA initiatives, from scholar-led presses to new university publishers (NUPs) and open publishing service providers. This enhanced visibility and access empowers these institutions to make informed decisions about the OA initiatives they wish to support, ultimately strengthening the open-access ecosystem.
Leveraging PKP’s Expertise and Open-Source Tools
PKP’s expertise in developing and maintaining open-source publishing platforms and tools, such as Open Journal Systems (OJS) and Open Monograph Press (OMP), will be invaluable to the OBC’s mission. These platforms have been instrumental in enabling smaller, community-driven publishing initiatives to thrive, and their integration into the OBC’s infrastructure will further enhance the collective’s ability to support a diverse range of OA book publishers and service providers.
“PKP’s involvement in the OBC is a natural fit,” says Dr. Juan Pablo Alperin, Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University and the Associate Director of Research for PKP. “By leveraging our open-source tools and technical expertise, we can empower more institutions and communities to participate in the open-access publishing landscape, ultimately driving greater access to knowledge.”
Moreover, PKP’s commitment to open scholarship, community engagement, and capacity building aligns seamlessly with the OBC’s core values. Through joint workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, PKP and the OBC can collaborate to equip more scholars, librarians, and publishers with the skills and resources needed to navigate the evolving world of open-access book publishing.
Fostering Bibliodiversity and Sustainability
The OBC’s emphasis on bibliodiversity – the diversity of published content, formats, and publishing models – is another crucial aspect of its work that resonates with PKP’s mission. By supporting a wide range of OA book initiatives, from scholar-led presses to new university publishers, the collective aims to ensure that the academic publishing landscape is not monopolized by a few large, for-profit corporations.
“The OBC’s model of ‘scaling small’ and nurturing intentional collaborations between community-driven OA book publishers and open publishing service providers is a powerful way to promote bibliodiversity and resilience in the ecosystem,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick.
As PKP joins the OBC, the synergies between the two organizations will amplify their collective impact, further strengthening the foundations of open-access book publishing. Through this partnership, the OBC gains access to PKP’s extensive network, technical expertise, and commitment to empowering open-source scholarship, while PKP can leverage the OBC’s collaborative infrastructure, funding models, and diverse community of stakeholders to enhance the reach and sustainability of its initiatives.
Empowering Libraries and Knowledge Institutions
A key aspect of the OBC’s work is its focus on empowering libraries and other knowledge institutions to play a more active role in supporting and shaping the open-access publishing landscape. By making it easier for these institutions to discover, explore, and fund a wide range of OA book initiatives, the OBC is fostering a more equitable and collaborative ecosystem.
“The OBC’s platform enables libraries and other knowledge institutions to participate in funding these initiatives via various offers and membership packages,” explains Dr. Fitzpatrick. “This business model encourages university libraries to redirect some of the monies spent on traditional book and ebook purchases toward supporting OA presses and open publishing service providers.”
As PKP joins the OBC, the collective’s ability to engage with and support libraries and knowledge institutions will be further strengthened. PKP’s expertise in developing user-friendly, open-source publishing platforms can help ensure that the OBC’s infrastructure is accessible and tailored to the needs of these vital stakeholders.
Cultivating a Collaborative, Inclusive Future
The partnership between the Public Knowledge Project and the Open Book Collective represents a significant step forward in the quest for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive open-access publishing landscape. By combining PKP’s technical expertise, community-driven approach, and commitment to open scholarship with the OBC’s collaborative funding models, governance structure, and focus on bibliodiversity, this alliance holds immense promise for empowering open-source scholarship and expanding access to knowledge worldwide.
“The OBC is not just about financial support or technical infrastructure,” concludes Dr. Alperin. “It’s about building a community of stakeholders who are deeply invested in the transformation of academic publishing, working together to create a future where open access to knowledge is the norm, not the exception.”
As Café Mila continues to champion mindful living, sustainable practices, and cultural immersion, we are thrilled to see organizations like the Public Knowledge Project and the Open Book Collective driving meaningful change in the academic publishing sphere. By fostering collaboration, promoting bibliodiversity, and empowering libraries and knowledge institutions, they are paving the way for a more equitable and accessible future for scholars, students, and the global community.
