Open Access Network Membership Program

Want to support the Open Access Network? Here’s how!

Although our long-term model is based on an institutional fee structure, as we worked to establish the Open Access Network, we originally set up a membership program that any institution, school or division, center or department, library, scholarly society, university press, academic publisher, foundation, organization, or individual could join.

Members demonstrated their support for an open access model that is scalable, sustainable, equitable, and fair. The funds raised went to support the organizational infrastructure for the Network and the pilot projects we hoped would to test the model. Many provided a multi-year commitment. By becoming a member of the Open Access Network they joined like-minded people and organizations that want to take an active role in bringing transformative change to the scholarly communication ecosystem.

We remain very grateful to all who were willing to add their names and contribute funds in support of the Open Access Network.

Leader Level ($20,000 and above)

  • West Virginia University Libraries & West Virginia University Press

Partner Level ($10,000 – $19,999)

  • University of Kansas Libraries

Collaborator Level ($5,000 – $9,999)

  • Columbia University Libraries
  • Montana State University Library
  • University of California Press

Benefactor Level ($1,000 – $4,999)

  • Amherst College Library & Amherst College Press
  • CUNY Graduate Center Library
  • Digital Science
  • Duke University Libraries
  • Lafayette College Library
  • Temple University Libraries & Temple University Press
  • Trinity University Library
  • University of Kentucky Libraries
  • University of Pennsylvania Libraries
  • Webster University Library

Supporter Level ($10 – $999)

  • American Anthropological Association
  • Bryn Mawr College Library
  • College of Wooster Libraries
  • CUNY Graduate Center Digital Initiatives
  • DePauw University Libraries
  • Fordham University Press
  • Nevada State College
  • Oberlin College Library
  • Occidental College Library
  • Pacific University Libraries
  • ScienceOpen
  • Susquehanna University Library
  • Unitec Institute of Technology ePress
  • University of Miami Libraries
  • University of Rhode Island Libraries
  • University Press of Florida
  • Ursinus College Library
  • Whitestone Creative Arts
  • Wits University Press

Member Levels

Supporter: $10–$999

  • Participation in the OAN e-mail listerv
  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos

Benefactor: $1,000–$4,999

  • Participation in the OAN e-mail listerv
  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos
  • Invitation to the quarterly webinar updates

Collaborator: $5,000–$9,999

  • Participation in the OAN e-mail listerv
  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos
  • Invitation to the quarterly webinar updates
  • Opportunities to participate in professional development and training

Partner: $10,000–$19,999

  • Participation in the OAN e-mail listerv
  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos
  • Invitation to the quarterly webinar updates
  • Opportunity to participate in online Q&A with principals and partners
  • Invitation to have a representative on the OAN Advisory Council

Leader: $20,000 and above

  • Participation in the OAN e-mail listerv
  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos
  • Invitation to the quarterly webinar updates
  • Opportunity to participate in online Q&A with principals and partners
  • Invitation to have a representative on the OAN Advisory Council
  • Consultation via video conferencing with K|N’s principals for up to 10 hours per year

Allied Member: Upon Request

  • Choice of Open Access Network Member logos

FAQ

How much money is needed? What is the tipping point?

We believe that the route to successful adoption of the approach we are advocating is to demonstrate its attractiveness and sustainability through a stepwise implementation process.

To obtain initial seed funding, we established a membership program open to anyone and everyone who wishes td join the Open Access Network and contribute to the initial pilot projects that will demonstrate in practice how the Open Access Network works.

To fund the post-pilot implementation phase, we proposed in our white paper targeting 1,038 institutions concentrated in the United States and Canada, but with representation throughout the globe, resulting in $56,993,479 in annual revenue. If we go by the law of diffusion of innovation, when we are able to convince 167 (or roughly 16% of those 1,038 institutions) to agree to pay the annual fee, we will have reached a tipping point of institutions who believe in the plan. Critical mass, which indicates widespread adoption and ensures that innovation is now self-sustaining, would require 519 to adopt the model in an ongoing manner. Because of the evolving nature of scholarly publishing, the amount of money raised, while important, is not as critical as getting adopters on board in supporting changing the way the system is funded.

What are you doing now to raise money?

As it became clear that other initiatives had more potential traction with colleges and universities — although none (unfortunately) have found success either — we retired our fundraising efforts in direct support of the Open Access Network. Donations in support of the ongoing efforts of K|N Consultants to work on behalf of open access can be made on that site.

As we worked to establish the Open Access Network, we set up a membership program that any institution, library, university press or publisher, scholarly society, foundation, organization, or individual could join. Tiered ranges allowed for maximum flexibility within the levels of membership: Supporter ($10 – $999), Benefactor ($1,000 – $4,999), Collaborator ($5,000 – $9,999), Partner ($10,000 – $19,999), and Leader ($20,000 and above).

Members at whatever level demonstrated their support for a model for open access that is equitable, scalable, and sustainable. The monies raised went entirely to support the administrative and organizational infrastructure for the Open Access Network and to fund the pilot projects we hoped to use to test its model.

In our initial phase we wanted the Network to be seen for what it is: broad and inclusive, with members that include high schools, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and universities. We also welcome libraries, societies and university presses and scholarly publishers of all sizes — and budgets. We pursued foundation funding and asked for-profit organizations to contribute as sponsors. And of course we welcomed grassroots support from individuals. Because the Open Access Network is a legal entity of K|N, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, any donations may qualify for an income tax deduction in accordance with Federal and/or State income tax laws. Please consult with your tax adviser to determine whether your donation is tax deductible, in whole or in part.