We are delighted to announce that Newcastle University Library has joined the Open Journals Collective. The OJC is dedicated to transforming the way that academic research is supported and disseminated, and the support of Newcastle University will be instrumental in helping us achieve our objectives of making journals free to read and publish in, offering a viable alternative to commercial transformative agreements, and empowering journals to flip to diamond open access.
Newcastle University is a committed supporter of open research initiatives. Its institutional position statement advocates for open access to research outputs as part of a positive open research culture, and the University’s active programmes, such as Investing in Open and Open Research Champions, speak to its commitment to turn aspirations into reality. We are thrilled that they have decided to join us as part of achieving their vision for open research.
Jill Taylor-Roe, Director of Academic Services and University Librarian at Newcastle University, said: “Our participation in the Open Journals Collective reinforces our commitment to advance open research, as is further evidenced by Newcastle’s support for the N8 statement on reform to scholarly publishing and the Jisc initiative to provide sustainable, affordable open infrastructure solutions.”
Tom Shaw, the Open Journals Collective’s Library Engagement Lead, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Newcastle University to the Open Journals Collective. At the OJC we are dedicated to building a better and more equitable system of scholarly communication, one that truly embraces open research and aligns with the aspirations of universities such as Newcastle. I look forward to working with Newcastle as part of our global community of libraries that share the same vision.
Professor Caroline Edwards, Executive Director of the Open Journals Collective, said: “We’re thrilled that Newcastle University has joined the OJC. As an active member of the influential N8 library group based in the North of England, Newcastle Library have worked tirelessly to champion non-profit and community-led initiatives. This kind of library activism reminds us that another publishing world is possible - it’s within our gift to build it collectively.”