LIBER reflects on the Global Summit on Diamond Open Access

LIBER is strongly pursuing a change in the paradigms of scholarly communication, as is evident in ou 2023-2027 Strategy. Through communication with our members, we recognise that even in Europe the inequalities in the publication system are immense. In our multi-language continent, equity and diversity are part of the solution to research problems, rather than an obstacle to them. It is for this reason that LIBER participated in the ‘Global Summit on Diamond Open Access‘ on 23-27 October in Toluca, Mexico.

Research libraries are already involved in Diamond Open Access (Diamond OA) initiatives as an alternative to existing agreements with publishers. Many LIBER members provide standard and advanced publishing services. They raise awareness within the community for the Diamond OA Road and help journal editors establish valid and sustainable publishing venues. Libraries also provide support on publication ethics or increase the visibility of ethical issues. On a practical level, libraries also contribute financially to Diamond OA infrastructures. More and more members of the LIBER network are opting to support these infrastructures, instead of pushing resources to commercial enterprises. In a short internal report in February 2022, we saw that approximately 55% of the libraries contributing to the SCOSS calls from Europe were LIBER members. Furthermore, research libraries are often the main drivers in their institutions to implement OS policies and invest funds on membership schemes – such as Open Library for Humanities and SCOAP3 – to secure the viable operation of journals.

Such examples underline the existence of an important capital within libraries of knowledge, experience, and energy that is being channeled to Diamond OA. This energy already powers infrastructures that allow scholarly content in minority languages and communities to flourish, contributing to diversity and equity. We know that not all libraries are equal; not all can contribute in the same way. Yet, good examples are everywhere, and we are determined to unearth them.  

In our daily work with the research and academic staff of our communities, we work to co-develop a culture for community-led OA venues inside academia. This includes enhancing the visibility of Diamond OA journals and ensuring their inclusion in OA monitoring processes. We are dedicated to enabling high-standard, quality services, from support and production to preservation. Our goal is to establish these services as trustworthy and identifiable, and to streamline processes for financial support. 

LIBER Working Groups, such as the Open Access and Copyright & Legal Matters Groups, will systematically explore ways of developing the conditions for equitable, diverse, effective, secure, and sustainable openness in knowledge and research.

LIBER will continue to work with all the stakeholders that met in the ‘Global Summit on Diamond Open Access’, including Science Europe, Redalyc, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), AmeliCA,UNESCO, CLACSO – Latin American Council of Social Sciences, Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), cOAlition S, OPERAS, COAR – Confederation of Open Access Repositories and others that wish to see Diamond OA as a strong alternative to the current paradigm.