Background Information
Recent advances in information technology are transforming the way academics are accessing information, but have so far had little impact on the way that research is subsequently disseminated, especially in the humanities.
One particularly important development for academic publishing is the emergence of 'Open Access' (OA) initiatives, allowing free access by all readers to digital content. The ideals of universal access to scholarly output are very much in keeping with the aims of academia - achieve the broadest dissemination of knowledge through the unrestricted use of research output. In addition a large proportion of scholarly research is publicly funded, so it seems only reasonable that its results be made available as widely as possible.
We are witnessing the development of increasing numbers of OA journals, particularly in the sciences, as well as the rapid development of OA digital repositories for research output. These repositories are becoming important resources for scholars, and will transform research in the humanities over the coming years. Yet, because these repositories are not selective, the quality and reliability of any material deposited is not independently verified. One vitally important component of academic publishing is ensuring the high standard and reliability of the research itself. However the OA model of dissemination is just as able as traditional print to provide the essential quality check. It is the peer-review selection of works to publish that maintains scholarly credentials, not the channel of publication - publishing digital media are now widely recognised alongside traditional print formats.
The 'digital revolution' has dramatically affected the way research is conducted. Most researchers now retrieve and purchase academic books online. Academics' use of the internet is now so widespread that both digital and printed resources that cannot be found electronically are often overlooked. As the Study on Researches and Discovery Services by the Research Information Network (RIN) highlights scholars are now so accustomed to accessing resources directly on their desktop from anywhere in the world, that immediate retrieval of e-resources is becoming more important than access to a large library of print materials.
Researchers' preference for electronic information resources and libraries' shortage of space to store printed material result in librarians increasing expenditure on e-books.
Yet on the whole traditional academic publishers have been slow to incorporate the publication of digital (e-book) editions, let alone Open Access, into their business models - particularly in the humanities and social sciences. These publishers remain concerned that the provision of a free digital version of monographs will undermine their sales of print editions. However the impact of OA digital publishing on the sales of printed editions is ambiguous, and there is increasing evidence that by raising accessibility and awareness of the work sales of printable versions and hard copies may actually increase.
Over time this may of course change, as people become more comfortable reading on digital devices. In the medium term, however, researchers still prefer to print the on-line book directly, either in part or in its entirety, or to purchase traditional books, when those options are available and affordable.
With the sharp increase in the price of academic publications in recent years affordability is now a main concern for the future of academia. As a recent study by the Independent Publishers Guild reveals, affordable price is a major concern for academics, especially in deciding which books to recommend as core readings. High price tags also have a geo-political dimension as wealthy US universities and colleges now represent the biggest share of buyers of monographs in the humanities and social sciences.
There is no reason why the demand for affordable academic monographs cannot now be satisfied since the technical costs of book production have fallen dramatically. It is now economically viable to finance the publication of OA academic monographs through the sale of printed editions and printable on-line versions - the Open Book model takes advantage of this opportunity.
Environmental Policy
All paper used by Open Book Publishers is SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) Certified. Book jacket paper is dual certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI. All papers used for Jackets, in addition to being SFI and PEFC Certified, are manufactured using 100% of electricity generated by renewable wind power.