Abstract

Open access, the notion that research work should be free to access and re-use, is a theoretically simple concept that has become mired in practical complexities and controversies. It is also, however, an aspect of contemporary research practice that is gaining worldwide traction and one that no contemporary scholar can afford to ignore, regardless of his or her discipline. In this talk, Dr. Martin Eve will set out the background to open access, the specific challenges faced by the humanities and the potential future solutions. What, exactly, do the terms “gold”, “green”, “libre” and “gratis” mean? How can OA be affordable for the humanities? What are the political motivations for its implementation? What is open licensing? And will open access really happen?