Influence Publisher Policies

By choosing to publish articles in open access journals, low-cost journals, and/or journals with liberal copyright policies, scholars can influence high-cost, restrictive journal publishers to reconsider their policies.

We all can take a stand. The scholarly work of faculty members and researchers is the lifeblood of journals. Without these individuals writing articles, serving as editors, and acting as reviewers, peer-reviewed journals could not exist. Take an active interest in the cost of the journals in your discipline, and request that the library purchase reasonably priced alternatives if they exist. Sometimes journal costs can be shocking.

If you serve as a journal editor or editorial board member, carefully consider that journal's access, copyright, pricing, and e-print self-archiving policies. If you do not agree with them, discontinue your support by leaving the editorial board or refusing to review any further articles.

If you are simply concerned about the high price of journals in your discipline, write letters to the publishers of these journals.

If you want to have an even stronger impact, join concerned faculty who have been declaring independence from high-priced publishers for over a quarter-century by resigning as editors or editorial boards members and founding competitive low-priced or open access journals.