Update from IWA Publishing on adaptations to its S2O open access model
In 2021, IWA Publishing moved its ten subscription journals to open access under what was described as the Subscribe to Open (S2O) model. Three years after the implementation of this model, based on our learnings and outcomes, IWA Publishing is now adapting the model to ensure it continues to serve the community of water researchers and the sustainable transition of its journals to open access.
Within the S2O model, a publisher commits to convert its subscription journals to open access, making them both free to read and publish in, based on a corresponding commitment by its institutional subscribers that they will continue to pay an annual subscription fee to the journals. In principle, no library pays more or less than it paid before, there are no article publication charges (APCs) paid by or on behalf of authors, the publisher maintains its editorial standards, and researchers and the public at large everywhere have unlimited access to the journals. S2O potentially offers a route to sustainable open access to smaller publishers who are not large enough to engage in ‘transformative’ agreements with library consortia worldwide.
IWA Publishing’s move to open access, based broadly on the S2O approach, received a very positive reception from authors, editors and research funders. IWA members and the Association’s Board were hugely supportive. The initial responses from libraries were also positive. Downloads from IWA Publishing journals more than doubled.
However, the success of the S2O model depends on the continuation of subscriptions by libraries. Sadly, while many previous subscribers have maintained their subscriptions under IWA Publishing’s version of S2O, a significant number of institutions across the world have not. Since the launch by IWA Publishing of S2O in 2021 our subscription revenue has declined considerably.
IWA Publishing is therefore adapting its implementation of S2O. All journals will continue to be published on an open access basis, but authors at institutions that do not participate in IWA Publishing’s S2O model will no longer be able to publish free of charge. This policy will take effect in September of 2024. Nothing will change for IWA Publishing’s existing subscribing institutions.
This will not prevent researchers from low-income countries from submitting their papers to our journals. These authors will continue to benefit from our generous waiver policies. We will also work closely with non-participating institutions to encourage them to join this important initiative to remove barriers to publishing and reading important research in water resources.
IWA Publishing and its parent, The International Water Association*, remain strongly supportive of the transition of IWA Publishing’s journals to open access. This adjustment to our publishing model will, we hope, enable us to continue that transition for the long term.
Review our Subscribe to Open FAQs to learn more.
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* IWA Publishing ltd is a subsidiary of the International Water Association, a not-for-profit organisation with members in 140 countries which seeks to respond to the severe global challenges in the provision of clean water and sanitation. IWA Publishing publishes journals and books in the fields of water research and practice.