Written by Fall 2024 Ask a Librarian Intern Jasmine Zacate

Open access (OA) publishing is a vital tool in promoting equitable access to information—and yet navigating the publishing process can be a challenge for authors. As a part of my Ask A Librarian internship this Fall, I recommended best practices for showcasing how the Libraries supports open access initiatives and enables authors to publish open access for free.

The Role of Open Access in Scholarly Communication

Open access agreements are a key part of the Libraries’ Scholarly Communication program. These agreements remove financial barriers to publishing by covering or reducing Article Processing Charges (APCs). By organizing agreements clearly, authors can find relevant publishing options for eligible journals, thereby making their work openly available.

Discovering Best Practices

To understand how other libraries communicate open access policies and support, I reviewed 19 library websites, including all Ivy Plus institutions and other key leaders in open access support. Many libraries offered valuable information for the OA publishing process, but the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Libraries’ website stood out for its effective communication strategies.

My project led me to recommend that the Libraries implement the following best practices during their upcoming Scholarly Communication website updates:

• Use straightforward language (e.g. “Publish OA at No Cost”) to ensure comprehension. Ideally, do not use any publishing jargon such as “hybrid” and “read and publish.” If necessary to include jargon, make sure to clearly define these terms.
• Include step-by-step instructions for publishing, links to publisher agreements, and librarian contact information. Organize open access publishing agreements by type.

Chat Reference

Staffing the virtual reference chat gave me a firsthand look at common questions librarians receive. I enjoyed helping students find resources they needed—especially when I could tell them those resources were free! Guiding students through CLIO and other databases taught me how to simplify my explanations and improve communication with users new to library tools. This experience helped me appreciate how even small interactions can make library resources more approachable and accessible.

Wrap-up:

This experience has been a great blend of discovery and reflection. Working with a mentor from the Open Access Task Force allowed me to dive into this important topic. Reviewing OA webpages and assisting users through the Ask a Librarian service reinforced that good design isn’t just about how something looks: it’s about making information easier to find and use. I’m excited to see how the Libraries builds on best OA practices that empower authors to publish open access.