The Library of the University of Konstanz Fostering Open Access by a new international information platform Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger Library of the University of Konstanz Germany Presented at the ETD 2008, 11th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 5th June 2008, Aberdeen

2 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net Outline 1. The need of a central information platform 2. Open access policy in Germany 3. The emergence of the information platform open-access.net 4. Internationalization of open-access.net 5. Establishing an international network on open access

3 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 1. The need of a central information platform Who knows all about open access? Example: Doctoral students want to publish their dissertation - Institutional repository mostly well known, but often recommended as technical solution only - He/her will scarcely find out that electronic publishing is part of a greater open access movement - No consultancy on hybrid publication models that are particularly interesting in arts and humanities Electronic dissertation seen as quick technical possibility to fulfil the duty of publishing

4 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 1. The need of a central information platform Example: Heads of universities who want to enhance electronic publications - Vague awareness of the open access movement - Mostly: Failure integrating electronic disserations into the concept of open access Information lack on open access + on the increasing visibility of content in repositories as a result of projects like DRIVER Information platform open-access.net

5 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 2. Open access policy in Germany Berlin Declaration 2003 signed by many institutions German Rectors Conference (HRK), alliance of research organisations: supporting open access German Research Foundation (DFG): Encouraging scientists to publish open access their results originating from DFG-grants As a consequence: Increasing relevance of open access nationwide Perceived request on structured and actual information on open access by universities, research institutions and policy makers

6 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 3. The emergence of the information platform open-access.net Experience at the University of Konstanz and other institutions: - Scientists: Vague idea about open access, but uncertainty in detail - Repositories often seen as second best publication place only - Reluctant use of open access offers Broad and precise information important for many groups Advantage of a common offer seen Nationwide information platform, funded by the German Research Foundation, started in May 2007

7 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net The main content of the information platform open-access.net Structured overview on the nature and progress of open access Group specific information Scientists as authors or editors of journals Repository managers Universities, research institutions, libraries, publishing houses Discipline-related information (biology, economics, physics…) News, calendar about conferences, mailing list

8 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net

9 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 4. Internationalization of open-access.net Second phase of development of the platform from May 2008 to October 2009 Expansion I: Collaboration with institutions in Austria and Switzerland (from May 2008) and adding country specific content Expansion II: Translation of the platform into English Start of the new designed parallel German and English platform in October 2008 Expansion III: Involving national experts on open access of different countries Adding several more countries with specific content until Oktober 2009

10 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 5. Establishing an international network on open access Experience at the University of Konstanz: University executive is active to promote open access within the university and beyond But also: University executive is highly interested in conjoint policies on open access with renowned national and international institutions Plan for the second project phase (May 2008 to October 2009): Establishing a network of persons responsible for open access at their institutions Support in strategic decision making to foster local, national and international open access policies

11 Anja Kersting, Karlheinz Pappenberger – Library of the University of Konstanz ETD 2008, 5th June, Aberdeen open-access.net 5. Establishing an international network on open access Beginning in Germany : First workshop for open access specialists : First meeting of the advisory board of the platform to establish a network on open access for decision makers Internationalization of the network from October 2008 Cooperation with other national and international existing groups and networks in the area of open access and repositories: e.g. OA-Netzwerk in Germany and DRIVER in Europe Integrating specialists and precursors on open access worldwide

The Library of the University of Konstanz information platform open-access.net Thank you very much for your attention Karlheinz Pappenberger contact: