Open access makes it easier for others to find, read and build on your work. It helps you to maximise the reach of your research.
There are lots of ways that you can make your publications openly accessible. Paying an article processing change (APC) is one of the better-known ways, but it is not the only way. Below is a summary of the main ways you can make your work open access:
Gold open access
- The version of record is published with a creative commons licence (a CC BY licence is usually required by funders)
- There is usually a fee to pay. The author, their funder or institution will have to pay the fee
- You can comply with funder open access policies using this route. You can find your funder's open access requirements using the Jisc Open Access Policy Finder
Green open access
- The accepted manuscript is made available after any embargo required by the publisher
- There is usually no charge, although some publishers charge mandatory publication fees
- You may be able to comply with funder open access policies using this route, depending on their requirements. You can find your funder's open access requirements using the Jisc Open Access Policy Finder
Green open access (using Self-Archiving)
- The accepted manuscript is available with a creative commons licence (CC BY is the default as it is required by most funders)
- The accepted manuscript is available as soon as the paper is published
- There is usually no charge, although some publishers charge mandatory publication fees
- You can comply with funder open access policies using this route, depending on their requirements. You can find your funder's open access requirements using the Jisc Open Access Policy Finder
Diamond open access
- The version of record is published with a creative commons licence (a CC BY licence is usually required by funders)
- There is no fee to pay; the journal is supported financially by sponsors
- You can comply with funder open access policies using this route. You can find your funder's open access requirements using the Jisc Open Access Policy Finder
Additional information
Green open access is a cost-effective and sustainable open access option. Our researchers can deposit their research in Apollo, the University’s repository. They can also make accepted manuscripts available on publication using the University's Self-Archiving Policy.
The University Library provides support for its researchers to publish gold open access; over 11,000 journals are covered by Read & Publish agreements. The agreements cover the cost of publishing open access for eligible articles.
The costs of publishing research papers that are not covered by a Read & Publish agreement may also be supported. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers should upload their accepted manuscripts on acceptance for guidance on specific publications. The Open Access team can provide in-principle advice prior to publication as well. Please contact the Open Access team on info@openaccess.cam.ac.uk.