Open Access is free online availability of research articles and more coupled with the rights to use these articles. Open Access ensures that anyone can access and use the results—to turn ideas into industries and breakthroughs into better lives. (SPARC)
Open Access publishing typically involves the author paying an article processing charge (APC). This charge can be built into grant applications.
Publishing your research Open Access increases equity of access to your scholarly work. Open Access publishing of your work also strengthens your research impact. And Open Access publishing can demonstrate your research integrity.
"Predatory journals and publishers are entities that prioritize self-interest at the expense of scholarship and are characterized by false or misleading information, deviation from best editorial and publication practices, a lack of transparency, and/or the use of aggressive and indiscriminate solicitation practices."
Authors must ensure that they avoid predatory publishers (and deceptive publishers) when submitting to an Open Access publisher. Predatory publishers and deceptive publishers pose as high-quality, peer-reviewed Open Access publishers. However, they exploit authors who submit their manuscripts to them by getting the authors' APCs, not conducting a thorough peer review process, and more.
Grudniewicz A, Moher D, Cobey KD, et al. Predatory journals: no definition, no defence. Nature. 2019;576(7786):210-212. doi:10.1038/d41586-019-03759-y
Think. Check. Submit. provides useful tools and resources for evaluating whether or not you are submitting to a high-quality Open Access publisher. Here is the the Think. Check. Submit. Journals Checklist. Please also reach out to your librarians for support.
