What are the different kinds of Open Access?

Open Access (OA) has revolutionized scholarly communication, breaking down barriers to knowledge. Understanding the nuances of OA is key to harnessing its benefits. Here are some key types:

1. Gold OA: At MDPI Books, we champion Gold OA. Unlike Green OA, there's no embargo period (6 to 24 months). With Gold OA, our books are freely available worldwide immediately upon publication. No paywalls, no timewalls.
2. Green OA: A popular alternative, Green OA involves self-archiving in repositories after an embargo period. MDPI Books opts for immediate accessibility.
3. Delayed Open Access: Some publishers adopt a delayed approach, restricting access for a set period before articles become freely available. MDPI Books ensures immediate global availability.
4. Hybrid: Combining subscription-based and OA models, hybrid journals offer both open and restricted access options.
5. Bronze OA: A newer model where articles are openly accessible but lack certain usage rights granted by more traditional OA models.
6. Gratis OA: Free access to content, but copyright restrictions may apply.
7. Libre OA: Combines free access with additional usage rights, allowing users to modify and distribute content.
8. Diamond OA: Characterized by no fees for authors or readers, often supported by academic institutions or organizations.

At MDPI Books, Gold OA ensures that our published works are not only immediately accessible but also come with a Creative Commons license. This allows our authors to retain the copyright to their work whilst still being able to benefit from others sharing and using their work. 

Interested in publishing? See our guide on how to publish your scholarly book with MDPI Books.