Open access publishing in high‐energy physics

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a description of the SCOAP3 model, aiming to achieve a transition of peer‐reviewed literature of an entire field, high‐energy physics to open access.Design/methodology/approachAn historical survey of publishing patterns in high‐energy physics puts open access in that discipline in context. A detailed, quantitative study of the publishing landscape in high‐energy physics is discussed, providing the economic basis for the SCOAP3 model.FindingsThe yearly publication output of high‐energy physics is concentrated on six journals by four publishers. This relatively compact publication landscape and the historical cohesion of the community make a transition of the entire field to open access feasible.Research limitations/implicationsThe results relate to a very specific field with a high potential for migration to open access. In open access there is no “one‐size‐fits‐all” solution, and other fields have to proceed to similar analyses to identify their most convenient model on the road to open access journals.Practical implicationsThe SCOAP3 initiative seems to be a sustainable way for a transition to open access of scientific publishing of an entire discipline. It could serve as an example, and an experiment, in the search for viable business models for open access.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insight into the design of a business model for open access around the particular needs and publication landscape of a particular discipline.