Task Force on Open Access and Scholarly Communication

The Task Force on Open Access and Scholarly Communication, made up of faculty, librarians, students, staff, and administrators, is tasked by the Provost to discuss a broad array of issues surrounding open access (OA) and scholarly communication and to recommend key matters for consideration by Western's Senate.

Western's scholars and researchers benefit from engaging in dialogue about OA and scholarly communication and exploring how the community might best advance one of the university's core missions: the dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Following an initial round of consultations with the campus community in spring 2021, the Task Force has produced Western’s Draft OA Policy. This fall, you have an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft as consultations continue for the development of a university-wide open access policy.

Western’s Draft OA Policy

Freely sharing research with the public reflects Western’s responsibility and commitment to return research outputs to the public as a publicly funded institution. OA accelerates discovery across the disciplines and increases the visibility and impact of Western’s research. It facilitates connections and collaborations between scholars and strengthens the rigour of published research by ensuring it is available for scrutiny by all, enabling scholars from all sectors, policymakers, and the public to use and build on this knowledge.

The purpose of this policy is to affirm the university community’s commitment to the principles of open access. This policy aligns with and supports members of the university community in complying with the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications.

Read the Draft OA Policy (PDF)

You can also read our FAQs about the draft policy for further information.

Sharing Your Feedback

You can provide feedback on the draft OA policy for Western University. Share your thoughts by taking our short survey.

Task Force Background

Spring 2021 Consultations

In early 2021, the Task Force conducted several consultations with stakeholders from across the Western campus community. The online sessions provided a space where questions about OA policies, perceptions of the benefits or concerns about a Western-wide open access policy, and specific recommendations for this policy were shared.

Watch a prior consultation session, including the full Q&A (52 min.), recorded in February 2021 with permission of attendees.
Watch the Open Access Policy presentation only (9 min.)

Task Force Mandate

The Task Force on Open Access and Scholarly Communication aims to:

Gather information and review the broader context for open access and scholarly publishing;
Review relevant policies and practices at Western and other institutions;
Consult broadly with the campus community to inform the work of the task force;
Provide recommendations to Senate, on the development of a Western commitment to the advancement of open access and sustainable scholarly communications and publishing models.

Current Members

Catherine Steeves, Chair (Western Libraries)
Bobby Glushko, Vice-Chair (Western Libraries)
Victoria Barroso (University Students' Council)
Jacquie Burkell (Faculty of Information & Media Studies)
Lisa Cechetto (Western Research)
Danica Facca (Society of Graduate Students)
David Litchfield (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry)
Allan Pero (Faculty of Arts & Humanities)
Katina Pollock (Faculty of Education)
Sam Trosow (Faculty of Information & Media Studies; Faculty of Law)
Courtney Waugh (University of Western Ontario Faculty Association; Western Libraries)

Founding Members

Catherine Steeves, Chair (Western Libraries)
Lisa Cechetto (Western Research)
Jacquie Burkell (Faculty of Information & Media Studies)
Katrina Pollock (Faculty of Education)
Mark Daley (Faculty of Science)
Sam Trosow (Faculty of Information & Media Studies; Faculty of Law)
David Litchfield (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry)
Allan Pero (Faculty of Arts & Humanities)
Joyla Furlano (Society of Graduate Students)
Kristin Hoffmann (University of Western Ontario Faculty Association; Western Libraries)
Danny Chang (University Students' Council)

Questions?

Please email Catherine Steeves, Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian.

Open Access