|
|
As a researcher, you have probably come across open access publications and terms like "Gold," "Green," "Diamond," "Bronze," and others that refer to different types of open access. It is important for researchers to familiarize themselves with each type so they can choose the most appropriate option when searching for literature or publishing their own papers. In this post, we provide an overview of the major types of open access. 28 May 2025 [1 min read] |
Gold Open Access
Gold Open Access ensures that the final published version of your article is freely and permanently accessible to everyone immediately after publication. Most permission barriers are removed, and the copyright for the article is retained by the authors. However, authors are typically required to pay an Article Processing Charge (APC), which offsets the publisher's production costs, including development, copy editing, typesetting, and online hosting. Since no subscription revenue is generated for this content, the APC makes the Gold Open Access model sustainable.
Diamond/Platinum Open Access
Diamond Open Access, also referred to as Platinum Open Access, provides free online access to the final published version of an article without any fees for authors or readers. Instead, publication costs are covered by external funding sources such as government agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations. This model is particularly beneficial for researchers with limited funding who want to maximize readership of their work.
Green Open Access
Green Open Access, also known as self-archiving, involves depositing a version of your manuscript into an institutional or subject-specific repository to make it openly accessible. The copyright for Green OA articles typically remains with the publisher, and access is often subject to certain terms and conditions, such as embargo periods. Unlike Gold or Diamond OA, Green OA usually does not require authors to pay any charges, making it a cost-effective option for researchers. CityUHK researchers can do self-archiving through the CityUHK Scholars platform.
Bronze Open Access
Bronze Open Access refers to content that is free to read on a publisher’s website, either with or without an open content license. If no open content license is provided, the article cannot be reused or redistributed, which differentiates it from fully open access content. Bronze OA is determined solely by the publisher, not by the authors, and access may be revoked at the publisher’s discretion. As a result, permanent and reliable free access is not guaranteed.
Black Open Access
Black Open Access refers to the unauthorized and illegal sharing of scholarly publications, often in violation of copyright laws. This type of open access is considered unethical and researchers should avoid participating in or supporting such practices.
Understanding the various types of open access is crucial for researchers as it impacts how their work is shared, accessed, and cited. While each type has its benefits and limitations, the choice ultimately depends on the researcher’s goals, funding availability, and institutional policies. By choosing the right open access model, researchers can maximize the visibility and impact of their work while adhering to ethical and legal standards.
For more information, visit our Open Access Support Site to learn how you can make informed decisions about open access publishing. If you would like to self-archive your papers, feel free to contact us at lbopen@cityu.edu.hk for assistance.
0 Comments.