![Watson Library, as seen from Jayhawk Boulevard, irises in foreground](/sites/lib/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2021/Library%20Locations%20-%20Exterior/Watson%20Libray_Exterior_Iris.jpg?h=06f6671c&itok=mnwGyazq)
Sustainable Scholarship
KU Libraries is committed to serving the research & publishing needs of students, faculty, and staff by participating in the movement towards a more sustainable scholarly future.
Big Deals at KU Libraries
"Big Deals" are comprehensive licensing agreements through which libraries provide access to all or a large portion of a publisher’s journal titles for a predictable cost.
The volume and cost of scholarly resources have steadily increased for decades, alongside the bundling of journal titles into big deals as outlined above. While some publishers and vendors realize substantial profit, the libraries' base collection budget has not increased at a similar rate. In fact, it saw no increase from 2009 to 2022. These factors combine to create what we call the crisis in library resources, leading to diminished access and reducing our ability to purchase other materials.
Open Access
Open Access is a response to the crisis in scholarly communication, and an opportunity to increase the impact of scholarship and sustainability.
Open Access and Support
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Open Access Agreements and APC discounts
KU Libraries partners with a growing number of publishers to eliminate or discount article processing charges for KU authors.
![Study carrels in Watson Library stacks](/sites/lib/files/images/general/Carrel-Page/carrel_1.jpg)
Open Access Investments and Commitments
KU Libraries' supports institutional, national, and international efforts to transform scholarly communication towards a more open and equitable future.
![Anschutz Library in spring](/sites/lib/files/images/2021/Library%20Locations%20-%20Exterior/Anschutz%20Library_Exterior_Spring.jpg)
Research Data Management
The shift towards greater openness includes research data when appropriate.
![Watson Library in winter, snow on ground and trees](/sites/lib/files/images/2021/Library%20Locations%20-%20Exterior/Watson%20Library_Exterior_Winter.jpg)
Scholarly Communication Services
KU Libraries' David Shulenburger Office of Scholarly Communication & Copyright supports open access through a variety of services.
Collection Management
![Drone view of Campinile Tower and Spencer Research Library at sunset](/sites/lib/files/images/2020/2004210_AL_Campus-Aerials-A-5_0.jpeg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about collections development and budgets through these commonly asked questions.
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Collections Philosophy
KU Libraries' approach to developing and maintaining collections in support of research and teaching.
![Interior of Spencer Research Library featuring red carpet and closed stacks](/sites/lib/files/images/2020/spencer-2_0.jpg)
Resources Affected
Information regarding downsized subscription packages and cancelled titles.