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Author: Nicole Jackson

Open science is crucial for addressing global challenges. By making research accessible to all, science and research can be advanced more rapidly and rigorously. Transformative agreements (TAs) are emerging as a vital mechanism in this transition to open access (OA), enabling institutions to provide their researchers with the means to publish openly and with no embargo, through the gold OA model, whilst simultaneously granting access to subscription content for their readers. This blog summarises key data and insights from three recent Pվ��Ƶ TAs, analysed as part of the case study . We explore not only the impact these TAs have had in advancing global OA efforts but also the potential they show in enhancing equity across disciplines and institutions.

Exploring insights from three transformative agreements

The three TAs highlighted in the case study are from recently agreed partnerships within the USA, South Africa, and Slovenia. These regions were chosen to better demonstrate the role TAs can have on three very different partners and regions, in terms of their progression and approach to OA.

• South Africa (SANLiC): Launched in 2023, this agreement has significantly raised OA publication rates by eligible researchers in its first year.   
• USA (Lyrasis): This agreement, launched in 2024, focuses on providing more equitable access to OA, supporting many smaller institutions.  
• Slovenia (CTK Consortium): Demonstrating that TAs can succeed in smaller nations, Slovenia’s agreement launched in 2023 and has facilitated substantial increases in OA publications.

Key findings: What impact have these TAs had for the respective institutions and their researchers?

1. Increased OA publications 

The impact of TAs on OA publishing is notable. In 2023 alone, . Countries involved in TAs, such as South Africa and Slovenia, have reported an astonishing growth in OA publication rates, showcasing the immediate benefits of these agreements. South Africa, for example, increased OA publications by eligible researchers from 10% to 78% in its first year alone of having a TA.

“To make research of an African context more visible globally was one of the major reasons why I’m on this journey”

2. Enhanced access to subscription content  

TAs have also increased access to subscription content for researchers. Institutions participating in these three agreements have seen a surge in the usage of subscription articles, with an increase of up to 24% in the first year. This broader access is crucial for researchers, especially those from institutions with limited resources. Luyolo Matabeni, Senior Librarian at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, emphasised this point: "Open access makes it easier for our population to access information, because in most instances our institutions have financial constraints in actually subscribing to various journals because of the cost. This agreement has made it easier for our users to access information."

3. Access to quality research for all  

One of the most compelling aspects of TAs is their ability to democratise access to quality research. Approximately 70% of usage of OA articles published under TAs is attributed to anonymous users—individuals accessing content without institutional affiliation. This indicates that TAs are successfully reaching a diverse and global audience, expanding the impact of research beyond traditional boundaries. "To make research of an African context more visible globally was one of the major reasons why I’m on this journey," stated Matabeni, highlighting the broader implications of TAs.

“There are only certain parameters that are going to work for our members at Lyrasis and cost containment is absolutely top of the list.”

4. Making OA easier for researchers  

TAs simplify the publishing process for researchers, eliminating financial barriers that often hinder OA participation. By pooling resources, institutions can support researchers in publishing in their chosen journals without the worry of article processing charges (APCs). As Lazarus Matizirofa, Deputy Director, Department of Library Services at the University of Pretoria, South Africa pointed out, "[...] those without money in their research pockets couldn't do APCs. Now, with the transformative agreements any researcher can participate.” This shift not only encourages a more diverse range of research outputs but also ensures compliance with OA policies, maximising the benefits of gold OA, including increased usage and citations.

“It's benefiting our students and faculty members across the board at HBCUs. It's giving us an opportunity where we've been shut out for so long and not been able to present our ideas in a new format. So I think it's groundbreaking for us.”

5. Cost management and administrative efficiency  

TAs offer a viable solution for institutions seeking to transition from subscription models to OA without incurring excessive costs. The agreements facilitate cost management, allowing institutions to maintain budgetary stability while promoting openness. Celeste Feather, Senior Director of Content and Scholarly Communication Initiatives at Lyrasis in the USA, addressed this challenge, stating, "There are only certain parameters that are going to work for our members at Lyrasis and cost containment is absolutely top of the list. Our institutions are not in a position to put a lot more money on the table than they have ever spent before to further the cause of open access. They're very clear that the transition has to be done within the budgets that they already have to spend." 

Additionally, administrative tools provided by Pվ��Ƶ help streamline the OA workflow, significantly reducing the burden on library staff. Feather noted, "I think most of our member institutions’ articles are flowing through the system without a human being having to approve one by one," emphasising the efficiency gained through these agreements.

_{Benefits of the Pվ��Ƶ OA agreement workflow}

6. Supporting institutional goals and equity  
TAs play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility, reach, and impact of an institution’s research, supporting organisational OA goals and providing member institutions with the momentum to grow OA for content related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

As Adrienne Webber, Dean, University Digital Library at Grambling State University (an institutional member of the Lyrasis agreement) indicated, "When it [research] is picked up by authoritative and peer-reviewed journals, it makes a difference. It brings a different eye to our HBCUs ^[1]: to Grambling State University, or to Fisk University or a Southern University and all of the other institutions that we have participating in this. Just think, as these doors open, it's giving our students another step to move forward and have opportunities that just haven't been available.”   
 
Importantly, TAs also promote equity among researchers. By supporting historically underfunded institutions and disciplines, TAs ensure that early-career researchers and those from less research-intensive environments can participate fully in the scholarly communication landscape. Webber expressed optimism regarding the impact of these agreements: "It's benefiting our students and faculty members across the board at HBCUs. It's giving us an opportunity where we've been shut out for so long and not been able to present our ideas in a new format. So I think it's groundbreaking for us." 

The future of open access – what next?

As the Pվ��Ƶ data and case studies illustrate, TAs are proving to be a . They not only increase OA publications but also enhance the visibility and impact of research while reducing administrative burdens. However, the success of TAs relies on broad participation across a diverse range of partners.  

To ensure that no researcher is left behind in the vision for equitable access to knowledge, it is essential for institutions to actively engage with TAs. By doing so, we can collectively continue the momentum, moving towards a future where quality research is accessible to all, regardless of institutional affiliation or financial capacity.  

Together, we can champion OA and work towards a more equitable scholarly communication landscape. OA is not just a goal; it is a necessity for advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in our interconnected world. 

For further insights about the benefits of the Lyrasis, South Africa and Slovenia TAs, please read the full case study . For a more comprehensive understanding of how TAs are driving the transition to OA, please read Pվ��Ƶ's . 

^[1] Historically black colleges and universities 

Related content:

• OA agreements advance OA publishing in Asia and Oceania 
• To publish OA, what institutional support do Chinese researchers need most?  
• Making policy a reality – practical steps to open access workflows 
• OA agreement stories: University of Miami 
• OA agreement stories: Mark Robison, University of Notre Dame 
• OA agreement stories: Jeff Carroll, Rutgers University 
• Facilitating the transition towards open access (OA) publishing 
• Librarians in the age of open access: An evolving role 
• Transitioning to open access: Reflections from three US organizations  
• Open access and the mission of the academic library

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