The HEFCE policy
for open access in the post-2014 REF requires that certain research outputs must be
made open access in an institutional repository to be eligible for the next
REF. Open access means free to read and download and refers only to journal
articles and conference proceedings.
So how do you know which version of your research you have
permission to upload to RaY?
It’s always worth checking the
contract you have with your publisher which may have information on what you
can upload to your institutional repository.
If this draws a blank, then the
next thing is to check SHERPA/Romeo,
a database of publishers’ policies regarding the self-archiving of
journal articles in Open Access repositories. It covers 22,000 journal titles and lists the differing policies of each. When
uploading a file to RaY, a link to SHERPA/RoMEO allows
you to search the policy of your journal title. Information is given about
which version of your work can be uploaded and any special conditions such as
embargoes which need to be observed. For example, the Publisher’s version/PDF
is unlikely to be allowed but a post-print (accepted manuscript) is often
acceptable.
If your journal is not listed then the publisher’s website
may offer some advice and in some cases it will be necessary to contact the publisher directly.
If you have any questions about what
you are permitted to upload into RaY or the conditions specified by Sherpa/Romeo
please contact RaY for advice.
