Open Access (Revisited)

Today a friend sent me the following video from the makers of PhD Comics.  I think the video is quite good and worth spreading but I will preface with the fact that the message is a bit biased against the publishers, in my opinion.  For more of my thoughts on the subject, check out my previous post on the topic.

As member of The Optical Society’s Public Policy Committee, I am working on the following statement on behalf of the society’s membership:

OSA promotes the dissemination of knowledge in the field of optics and photonics through its publishing, meetings, and educational outreach initiatives.  This broad portfolio of activities provides an effective means for the latest research in optical science and engineering to reach the broadest audience.  As a non-profit scientific publisher with over 95 years of experience, OSA adds value to the processes of research and development through:

• Peer review in expert editorial boards
• Editing and composition services
• Cataloging and indexing
• Hosting readily accessible and interoperable internet content

The cost of these activities, and their ongoing improvement, is supported by subscriptions to standard journals and author fees from open access journals. The revenues generated by OSA’s publishing activities fund the cost of providing open access publishing activities and maintaining scientific programs to ensure a fair and vital peer review process.