Open Access Journals

As the technology behind open access continues to improve, many journals are emerging that make their content freely available through the Internet. Some of these journals are new, but many are formerly print-based publications that have moved to the open access model. Publishing with these journals is the easiest way to ensure open access for your scholarly output.

While it may seem illogical for a publisher to consider moving to open access publication, doing so actually provides benefits to the journals as well. Open access greatly speeds up the process of publication. Articles can move into circulation much faster by skipping the typesetting, printing, and shipping stages of print publication. In addition, those same factors also reduce the overall cost of publication. The journals benefit from the greater visibility of open access.

Open access journals employ a system of peer review that is identical to those of print publications; only the method of distribution is changed. Submitted articles are reviewed and edited before publication, so the scholarly nature of these journals is not compromised.

To find an open access journal in your field, you can visit the Directory of Open Access Journals. The DOAJ has compiled a massive list of thousands of open access journals in a vast array of subjects. Journals that are suggested for the directory are examined to ensure that they are fully open access and scholarly.

In addition, you can find open access publications using Ulrich's Periodicals Directory. Using the Advanced Search, you can limit your results by checking the box next to "Open Access" under Features.

Texas A&M faculty and researchers also have access to the Texas Digital Library's Open Journal Systems, which is an online management system for open access journals. Using this tool, you can begin an open access journal, or transition an existing print journal to open access.

If you are interested in starting an open access journal, you can request the service directly through TDL, or contact your subject librarian for assistance.