The Open-Access-Transformation aus der Perspektive von Zeitschriftenherausgebenden

Ergebnisse einer Befragungsstudie

Abstract

The editors of scientific journals have an important role as potential drivers of the Open Access transformation. They are connected to the scientific community and are responsible for the content of the respective journal. This gives editors a certain power to act. This article discusses, from the editors’ point of view, the motivating and hindering factors for transforming the respective journal to open access. To answer this question, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics conducted a survey among journal editors combining an online survey (n=42) and qualitative interviews (n=13). The results show that editors are motivated to switch to open access by both moral arguments and strategic considerations. On the other hand, concerns about funding and a complex dependency on commercial publishers are obstacles. The study thus provides starting points for further promoting change in the publishing system. At the same time, it shows the factors that are slowing down the aforementioned change.