Recording of session from Open Access Week 2023: Supporting the transformation of academic publishing: The Library Open Scholarship Fund

<p>Recording of the following session which took place on 27 October 2023 as part of Open Access Week at the University of Sheffield:</p> <p>Supporting the transformation of academic publishing: The Library Open Scholarship Fund</p> <p>Speakers (all from University of Sheffield):</p> <p><strong>Peter Barr, </strong>Head of Content & Collections</p> <p><strong>Arantza Barrutia,</strong> National Fairground and Circus Archive Collections Manager</p> <p><strong>Helen Moore,</strong> Faculty Librarian for Engineering and Science</p> <p>Outline:</p> <p>The University Library expresses a desire in its <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/library/about/content-strategy" target="_blank">Comprehensive Content Strategy</a> to effect a transformation in academic publishing and scholarly communication. To support this, it established its Open Scholarship Fund in 2021.</p> <p>Much of the conversation around the transition to Open Access publishing has centred on large 'read-and-publish' deals signed with major academic publishers. As they look to incorporate existing library subscription spend, they have also had a significant effect on academic library budgets. However, their role in bringing about a true transformation in publishing has been pragmatic, limited and much criticised. The Open Scholarship Fund is the Library's attempt to go beyond this and is used to support innovative, community-owned and scholar-led publishing initiatives alongside local projects aimed at opening up research and educational practice.</p>