Research libraries propose European open-access law

Law intended to enshrine right to open publication of research papers in repositories without embargo

The Association of European Research Libraries, Liber, has proposed a law it wants to be adopted across Europe to ensure publicly funded academic articles can be made openly available immediately via repositories once they have been accepted for publication.

Liber published the draft law on 17 March, following the unanimous approval of its executive board in June 2020. It said such a law was “crucial” given changes to scholarly publishing and the home working caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is campaigning for the draft law to be adopted by either the EU or national governments.