Letter: Open access to what?

From Pierre MacKay

It is not clear whether Jim Giles is one of those who would like to see research publications in the humanities strangled, but that is a certain result of the “open access” publishing model he describes, under which authors will be charged $1000 or more to get into print (22 September, p 22).

The wealthiest 5 per cent of private US universities might subsidise publication beyond science and engineering. But no state-funded institution here would dare even to consider such a subsidy for the humanities.

As a supporter of the free software movement it pains me to cast doubt on any idea that might promote free access to publications. But such charges would silence all but the wealthiest who return to scholarly research after retirement.

It may be that private online publication (vanity publication, but cheaper) is the only feasible mechanism in the humanities. I have resorted to this after being repeatedly told: “We like the book. All you need to do is take out all the foreign language passages and find a $30,000 subsidy. We will, of course, require you to sign over all copyright.”

Seattle, Washington, US