For researchers who have spent a long time in academia, the terms Open Access and Subscription Journals must be familiar. Both are frequently displayed on online journal platforms, and it’s important to know the difference and which one to choose. Here is an explanation of these two.
1. What is the Difference Between Open Access and Subscription Journals?
Open Access Journals are a type of publication that allows readers to read, download, print, and distribute published articles for free, with no subscription fees or access restrictions. The term was first introduced in 2002 in Budapest, Hungary, in a meeting involving researchers, librarians, and other professionals, which resulted in the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) Declaration. Subscription Journals, on the other hand, require readers to pay various fees to read or download articles in online journals. The point of difference between these two models lies in the cost of the readers’ access.
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2. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of each model?
The main advantage of open access journals is wider accessibility. Anyone around the world can access published articles without payment restrictions, which increases visibility and the likelihood of citations by other researchers. More readers can access the articles, allowing the research impact to be seen earlier. However, the disadvantage of this model is the publication fee, known as Article Processing Charges (APC), which can be quite expensive for authors.
On the other hand, Subscription Journals have an advantage in terms of credibility and reputation. Many of these journals have long been recognized and established a strong reputation in their fields. In addition, authors typically face no publication fees. However, the downside is limited accessibility for readers, who must pay to access the articles, which can lead to lower readership and citation rates.
3. Which is better between the Two?
The answer to this question depends on the author’s considerations. If the author prioritizes the impact and accessibility of the research work, publishing in an open access journal may be a better choice. If the author is more concerned about publication costs, they may prefer a subscription journal, as it usually does not charge a publication fee. Both journal models have their pros and cons, so the best choice should align with the author’s goals and needs.
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