Sustainable Access to Publications, a problem still not sufficiently solved
On 9 October 2009 Knowledge Exchange organised a workshop in Edinburgh focusing on Sustainable Access to Publications and long term preservation of publications
Questions discussed in the workshop concerned the costs and economics of long term preservation and the difference between archival rights, post cancellation access and perpetual access. This workshop was organised to gain an insight in the activities being undertaken at present in the four Knowledge Exchange countries regarding perpetual access and long term preservation. In breakout sessions the participants identified the relevant issues which need to be solved. The question was what the role of Knowledge Exchange could be in this. What is the added value that Knowledge Exchange could contribute?
One of the main findings was that the challenge of obtaining sustainable access to publications is still not sufficiently solved. Momentarily all four of the partners of the Knowledge Exchange countries are developing strategies for perpetual access and long term preservation. When discussing sustainable access it is important to separate this from long term preservation of licensed material. Simply having material preserved does not mean this is also accessible. To achieve sustainable access central funding would be required, either on a national or European basis. Sustainable business models are very important and there should be awareness about long term preservation at an international level.
One approach could lie in setting up unified wording for sustainable access to publications in all licensing agreements as at present each licence has its own wording on this matter. The working group will also be looking into commisioning a combined report summarising the state of the art in the field of sustainable access in the four Knowledge Exchange partner countries. The other suggestions made by the participants will be considered with the aim of seeing where the cooperation of Knowledge Exchange can help to make a difference in assuring sustainable access to publications.
