The open access dilemma: how can costs be financed?

Abstract

Open access is an idealistic concept that has both good and less good impacts in the scholarly communication system. The good side is that it sends a strong message to journal publishers who charge exorbitant prices; the bad side is that it potentially inhibits the survival of small journal publishers. In this commentary, the open access (OA) cost model of academic journals is discussed from the point of view of a Latin American researcher, addressing the questions of how this affects the region, and if there is a possible fair funding journal solution.