The "Green" route to open access refers to the process of depositing or self-archiving postprint versions of journal articles in institutional or subject-based repositories. It's a cost-free alternative to paying the fees required for publishing an open access article in Hybrid journals. While pursuing this route to open access can be burdensome for authors due to the often confusing self-archiving policies journal publishers have in place, conditions - both positive and negative - are increasingly conducive for going green now!
First, check out this table charting article processing charges (APCs) for a selection of forced migration-related Hybrid journals over a five-year period. While each journal publisher no doubt uses a different strategy for setting prices, the general trend is up (with the exception of Inderscience), consistent with the larger context. For many authors, these fees can be prohibitive. And while most Gold journal publishers offer need-based waivers or discounts, including to LMICs, Hybrid journal publishers generally do not. Exceptions are made for institutions that have specifically negotiated agreements that allow their own authors to publish at reduced rates. (Although see EIFL for one example of agreements that account for country-affiliation as well as institutional-affiliation.)
Authors for whom APCs represent a major obstacle still have the option to provide open access to research published in Hybrid journals via the green route. But what about other obstacles like lengthy embargo periods and not having a repository to deposit in? Here are three silver linings to consider!
The number of "zero embargo" Hybrid journal publishers appears to be increasing (i.e., those who allow the immediate deposit of postprints in a repository). These publishers include a wide range of academic presses, professional associations and commercial entities. Consider submitting your manuscript to one of the many journals in their portfolios, such as the European Journal of Migration Law (Brill), International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care (Emerald) or International Migration Review (Sage)!
Some Hybrid journal publishers have actually reduced the duration of their embargo periods (i.e., the amount of time that must pass before the text of an accepted manuscript could be accessed in a repository). For example, Oxford Academic has had a 24 month-embargo period in place for many years, but it recently lowered it to 12 months. Good news for authors who have published in the International Journal of Refugee Law, Journal of Refugee Studies, Migration Studies or Refugee Survey Quarterly!
As for authors lacking ready access to a repository, either because they are not affiliated with an academic institution or because their institution does not have one, they now have the option to use the Forced Migration Research Archive (FMRA)!
Here are a few examples of green OA in FMRA:
- A postprint version of an article published in a zero embargo journal (International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care)
- A postprint version of an article published in an Oxford Academic journal whose embargo period is now 12 months (International Journal of Refugee Law)
- A postprint version of an article that is not located in any other repository but was also shared on ResearchGate
If you are interested in using the Green route to open access but aren't sure how to proceed, here are some FMRA guidelines for submitting postprints that might be helpful no matter which repository you choose to use for self-archiving purposes. Or if you prefer to interact directly with someone on our support team, please don't hesitate to contact us!
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