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The Sustainability and Stability of Open and Closed Access Publishing

We are delighted to welcome Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe as the third speaker in our Open Divide series. On June 25, 2025, 5 p.m. CEST, she will critically examine the long-term sustainability of both open and closed access publishing models, focusing on their financial and scholarly implications.

👉Abstract
The debate over open access versus closed access publishing often rightly centers on issues of affordability, accessibility, and equity—but what about long-term sustainability? This talk examines the financial and scholarly implications of open and closed access publishing, including considerations of publishing infrastructure, funding models, and the research ecosystem. By analyzing the costs and benefits for authors, publishers, and libraries, one can consider whether open access offers a more viable path forward for scholarly communication or if closed access remains essential for financial stability. Attendees will gain a more nuanced understanding of the sustainability challenges and opportunities within both publishing paradigms.

👉 About Lisa
Professor & Coordinator for Research Professional Development, University Library, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

👉 Registration Link
https://unilu.webex.com/weblink/register/rfbb0ee6b8d7a1157196cd61d253a9316

👉 Please see also the full overview of all upcoming talks in the series.

We’re very much looking forward to her contribution and the opportunity to welcome participants from around the globe.

Open Science and the Information Industry: French Debates and Insights

We’re pleased to continue the 2025/2026 Open Divide Lecture Series with its second talk on May 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM CEST. The second lecture in the Open Divide Series will feature Thomas Parisot and Yann Mahé, who will explore the topic “Open Science and the Information Industry: French Debates and Insights.”

👉Abstract:
This intervention explores the intersection of open science and the information industry, with a particular focus on the ongoing debates in France. Open science, which advocates for the free and accessible sharing of research outputs, has been gaining momentum worldwide, and France is at the forefront of this movement in Europe. The talk examines the challenges and opportunities that open science presents to the information industry, particularly in terms of publishing, data management, and intellectual property. Key issues addressed include the evolving role of academic publishers, the push for open-access journals, and the impact of European and national policies aimed at promoting open science. The French perspective is highlighted, showcasing both the support for open access initiatives and the concerns regarding sustainability, quality control, and the potential monopolization of knowledge platforms. Additionally, the intervention emphasizes the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and information industry stakeholders to ensure that open science can thrive without compromising the interests of all parties involved.

👉 About Thomas Parisot:
President of the French association gf2i and Deputy Director General of the humanities and social sciences publishing portal Cairn.info, Thomas Parisot is in charge of external relations and partnerships for this portal in some sixty countries. He is also the author of several articles on the transformations of academic publishing in the digital age and is also involved in the work carried out by the university group of the French National Publishing Union (SNE).

👉 About Yann Mahé:
Managing Director of MyScienceWork and treasurer and co-leader of the “open science” workshop of the French association gf2i, Yann Mahé has contributed for 20 years, in the professional and scientific information sector, to the development of innovative solutions for the collection, access, processing, analysis and valorization of data linked to research activities. Yann is a frequent speaker at international conferences.

👉 Registration link: https://unilu.webex.com/weblink/register/r4f3808f008263a2e26fd460fe68c6f93


👉 Please see also the full overview of all upcoming talks in the series.

We’re very much looking forward to her contribution and the opportunity to welcome participants from around the globe.

Libraries Supporting Open Research: International Perspectives

We are excited to announce the launch of the Open Divide Lecture Series 2025/2026, beginning on April 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM CEST.

Rebecca Bryant

We will kick off the series with the talk:
“Libraries Supporting Open Research: International Perspectives”
by Rebecca Bryant, Senior Program Officer at OCLC Research Library Partnership / Online Computer Library Center, USA.

👉 Abstract:
Open research is increasingly a strategic priority for research institutions, frequently driven by a range of institutional, national, and regional policies, contributing to significant regional differences. This presentation will share insights from a recent leadership roundtable discussion hosted by the transnational OCLC Research Library Partnership, with perspectives from approximately 35 research libraries in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. With a focus on the role of the library, this presentation will examine how institutions are supporting open research, addressing strategic priorities, services, collaborations, and even the formation of new campus units. It will explore regional differences and also consider how external factors like national security, cybersecurity, AI, and growing scrutiny of international collaborations may be impacting open research goals and activities.

👉 About Rebecca: Rebecca Bryant, PhD, serves as Senior Program Officer at OCLC Research where she leads and develops areas for the OCLC Research Library Partnership and for OCLC Research related to research information management (RIM), research data management (RDM), and institutional scholarly communications practices. Her OCLC publications include  Research Information Management: Defining RIM and the Library’s RoleConvenience and Compliance: Case Studies on Persistent Identifiers in European Research Information Management, and The Realities of Research Data Management. Prior to joining OCLC in 2016, Rebecca served in previous roles at the University of Illinois, including as Project Manager for Researcher Information Services in the University Library, Assistant Dean in the Graduate College, and Project Leader on the system-wide UI-Integrate ERP implementation project. She has also served as Director of Community at ORCID where she led outreach initiatives to encourage the adoption of ORCID identifiers throughout the scholarly communications community, particularly promoting adoption and integration within universities worldwide.  Rebecca earned a bachelor’s degree at Butler University, a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a PhD in historical musicology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

👉 Registration link: https://unilu.webex.com/weblink/register/r21e4a4713e93f01d98a9e4bc873f14c4
👉 Please see also the full overview of all upcoming talks in the series.

We’re very much looking forward to her contribution and the opportunity to welcome participants from around the globe.