SCONUL Welcomes Open Access Implementation Group Report

27 October, 2011

The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) has welcomed a report from the Open Access Implementation Group (OAIG) that demonstrates the benefits of open access publication for UK plc.

Ann Rossiter, Executive Director of SCONUL, commented:

"The report clearly demonstrates that businesses across the UK would benefit from easier access to academic research, potentially saving up to £100,000 per year. We support the OAIG's efforts to press for expanded access to UK research to reduce costs, increase opportunities and improve efficiency for companies.

"In addition, easing access to research will improve the student experience, increase academic productivity and boost excellence in teaching and learning. It will allow academic libraries to increase the content available, benefiting students and the wider research community.

"We look forward to working with OAIG to consider the practical steps that can be taken by researchers, universities, libraries, funders and publishers to make research output as easily accessible as possible."

The OAIG's report 'Benefits to the Private Sector of Open Access to Higher Education and Scholarly Research' is available via www.open-access.org.uk.


Notes to editor

• For more information contact Jo Nussbaum or John Hood on 0207 089 2080 or jo@linstockcommunications.com / john@linstockcommunications.com