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Open Access: where does Rhodes University really stand? Online
This presentation explores the central tension confronting Rhodes
University—particularly its journal editors—as the institution navigates the global
transition toward Open Access (OA). While embracing OA principles since 2013, Rhodes
faces the dual challenge of supporting high-quality scholarly publishing and sustaining
financial viability, all while upholding research integrity and combating questionable
science.
The analysis highlights a key dilemma: pursuing traditional commercial publishing
models may offer short-term financial benefits but directly contradict the university’s
commitment to social justice, equitable knowledge dissemination within the Global
South, and the retention of author copyright.
To address this, the presentation proposes a set of practical, values-aligned strategies:
negotiating to reclaim and locally host journal back archives (for example, through a
rolling two-year release model), leveraging existing platforms such as Rhodes Hosted
Journals and SciELO SA, and moving toward full institutional control over scholarly
publishing. This holistic approach would align Rhodes with global funder mandates,
strengthen its leadership in equitable access, and ensure that the university’s research
outputs remain both globally accessible and ethically managed.
- Date:
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time:
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Central Africa Time (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Library Staff Postgraduate Students RU New Academics RU Researchers RU Staff Students Undergraduate Students
- Categories:
- Librarian Events