Classifying open access business models
This opinion piece by Tasha Mellins-Cohen (Founder at Mellins-Cohen Consulting and Executive Director at COUNTER) is an article offering a comprehensive classification system for OA models, categorising them into five core types (transactional, bundled, cooperative, sponsored, and alternative), each with distinct characteristics and implications for funding, equity, and implementation.
This classification aims to clarify the myriad labels and terminologies used, addressing the inconsistencies and gaps in previous attempts to categorize OA models. By providing descriptions and analyses of different business models, the article seeks to enhance transparency around and understanding of OA options, ultimately supporting informed decision-making in the evolving landscape of academic publishing.