Watson Library, as seen from Jayhawk Boulevard, irises in foreground

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.

Collection Management

Drone view of Campinile Tower and Spencer Research Library at sunset

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about collections development and budgets through these commonly asked questions.
Artificial rock climbing tower, with person descending via rope

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

Resources Affected

Information regarding downsized subscription packages and cancelled titles.

Open Access and Support

Walkway between two rows of bookshelves, with study carrel in background

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

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

Research Data Management

The shift towards greater openness includes research data when appropriate.
Watson Library in winter, snow on ground and trees

Scholarly Communication Services

KU Libraries' David Shulenburger Office of Scholarly Communication & Copyright supports open access through a variety of services.
https://www.lib.ku.edu/sustainable-scholarship
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