University Libraries at Virginia Tech Joins Virginia Research Libraries in Endorsing MIT Framework for Publisher Contracts

BLACKSBURG, VA – University Libraries at Virginia Tech has joined its fellow Virginia research libraries at University of Virginia, James Madison University, George Mason University, College of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Old Dominion University, in endorsing MIT's framework for publisher contracts.

As this Virginia Research Libraries (VRL) consortium moves toward 2021 contract negotiations with Elsevier, the largest STEM academic publisher, VRL will work as a team to be mindful stewards of state funds and ensure research is publicly available to advance knowledge for the benefit of our global society.

Over the past 30 years, the cost of journal subscriptions has increased 500 percent, far outpacing libraries’ annual budget increases.

Much of the research conducted at public universities and published in expensive subscription-based scholarly journals is funded by tax dollars—in the form of faculty salaries and federally funded grants. Research is produced for the public good, but it is not always available to the general public who paid for it. This is where open access or public access to research will change the traditional landscape of publishing research.

In 2021, representatives from University Libraries at Virginia Tech, along with its VRL consortium colleagues, will be at the negotiating table with Elsevier. The universities will be discussing the unsustainable cost of accessing its academic journals and options to make Virginia universities’ research more accessible to the public that paid for it.

During the fall and spring semesters, University Libraries Dean Tyler Walters is meeting with faculty groups across campus to discuss these issues and gather feedback.

For more information surrounding this issue and Virginia's public research libraries’ move toward negotiations, visit the University Libraries’ Access Matters webpage.

Featured

  • Kenall Introduces Millenium Flair Series

    In a move aimed at modernizing institutional lighting without compromising on durability or performance, Kenall has launched its new Millenium Flair series, according to the Kenall website.

  • Springfield Breaks Ground on $53.7M Pipkin Middle School Rebuild

    Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art Pipkin Middle School in Springfield, Mo., a major step in Springfield Public Schools’ (SPS) long-term facility improvement plan, according to local news. The $53.7-million project officially broke ground in early June, following years of planning and community input aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and addressing student capacity concerns.

  • Dallas ISD Debuts New Peabody Elementary School

    The Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas, recently announced the completion of the new facility for George Peabody Elementary School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects and REEDER Construction on the 70,807-square-foot replacement campus, which has the capacity for 550 students.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

Digital Edition