British Academy submits evidence to House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into open access

The House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee today meets to consider evidence which the British Academy and other organisations have submitted in the inquiry into the implementation of open access. The British Academy's submission can be read here.

The Academy believes that the current Research Councils UK policies are being implemented too quickly and without a full understanding of the likely impact on humanities and social sciences disciplines. A particular point of concern is the discrepancy between positions on embargo periods. The Finch Report and the Government both expressed the view that these needed to be considered carefully, with an embargo period of 24 months not being unreasonable. Research Councils UK, however, has stated that the maximum embargo period would be 12 months. It is important to ensure that the policies on open access are appropriate and sustainable rather than rush into a one-size-fits-all approach.