Understanding Costs and Transparency in Diamond Open Access Publishing

Diamond Open Access is often perceived as a particularly fair and cost-efficient mode of scholarly publishing - free of article processing charges and therefore seemingly “free of charge.” However, Diamond Open Access publications also entail costs, which are covered through a variety of funding models. In the presentation, we look at this topic form the perspective of the DFG-funded project Servicestelle Diamond Open Access (SeDOA), the German Diamond Capacity Centre. We explain the objectives and services of SeDOA, as well as the working definition of Diamond Open Access. Building on the results of a SeDOA survey and other relevant studies, we address the question of the costs that arise in Diamond Open Access publishing. We also examine the issue of transparency: which information on ownership structures, funding pathways, and in-kind contributions is necessary to ensure transparency - and where do gaps still exist today. Using consortial funding models as an example, we discuss the degree of transparency that is currently achievable and what could be improved. Finally, we reflect on the criteria applied to Diamond Open Access and whether costs should be considered the ultimate benchmark.