Varying OA Business Models

In my most recent post yesterday (Spotlight on Internet Scientific Publications), I briefly discussed the method through which ISPUB generates revenue as compared to the business models of BioMed Central or Public Library of Science. However, I believe we have only hit the tip of the iceberg with regard to this critical topic, as business model is one of the most defining features of the entire OA movement.

There are two major types of OA publishers: for-profit or not-for-profit. These can often be identified with a simple glance at the URL — for-profits usually have a “.com” domain name, while not-for-profits will end with “.org”. However, even these distinctions are not sufficient in order to fully understand the entire spectrum of OA publishers. In order to simplify the approach, I will discuss each major model individually using specific and well known examples.

The Public Library of Science operates under a not-for-profit model that draws revenue from several sources, including membership fees, publishing fees, and some advertisements. BioMed Central is quite similar, drawing resources from publishing fees and advertisements, differing primarily due to its for-profit approach. Finally, ISPUB funds its operations entirely through online advertisements, sparing both the readers and authors from fees.

Despite the obvious differences, one commonality that unites the business models of all OA publishers is their lack of any sort of cost to read the material, thus facilitating the dissemination of information and the acceleration of scientific advance. In order to display the material online, one must have a website.

Nathan