Article processing charges for open access journal publishing: A review

Some open access (OA) publishers charge authors fees to make their articles freely available online. This paper reviews literature on article processing charges (APCs) that has been published since 2000. Despite praise for diamond OA journals, which charge no fees, most OA articles are published by commercial publishers that charge APCs. Publishers fix APCs depending on the reputation assigned to journals by peers. Evidence shows a relationship between high impact metrics and higher, faster rising APCs. Authors express reluctance about APCs, although this varies by discipline depending on previous experience of paying publication fees and the availability of research grants to cover them. Authors rely on a mix of research grants, library funds and personal assets to pay the charges. Two major concerns have been raised in relation to APCs: the inability of poorly funded authors to publish research and their impact on journal quality. Waivers have not solved the first issue. Research shows little extension of waiver use, unintended side effects on co-author networks and concerns regarding criteria to qualify for them. Bibliometric studies concur that journals that charge APCs have a similar citation impact to journals that rely on other income sources.

Automated summary

Some OA publishers charge fees for open access articles, with the amount depending on the reputation of journals. Despite praise for free OA journals, most OA articles are published by commercial publishers who charge fees. Higher impact metrics are associated with higher APCs. Authors express reluctance towards fees, depending on previous experience and research grants. Waivers have not fully resolved the issues of funding and journal quality. Bibliometric studies show similar citation impacts for journals with APCs and other income sources.