University of York: a framework for sustainable, equitable scholarly publishing

The challenge. The University of York was developing an institutional position statement on scholarly publishing, building on the shared statement it had produced with the other universities in the N8 Research Partnership. York wanted to confirm its commitment to sustainable and equitable scholarly publishing by creating a coherent, forward-looking strategy that would address not only subscriptions and open access, but the wider conditions that shape how and where its researchers choose to publish.

Our approach. Research Consulting worked with the Library’s Open Research team to inform that strategy. We carried out a structured gap analysis across the themes a publishing strategy needs to address, from alternative publishing models and open access routes through to research assessment, integrity and researcher support. This mapped the options available and benchmarked York’s current position. To put evidence beneath the discussion, we analysed how far York and comparable universities have adopted alternative publishing practices, giving the Library a data-informed view of where a supportive culture already exists and where the gaps lie. Throughout, we worked directly with York’s researchers, taking part in two in-person sessions to test the emerging findings and build academic confidence.

The outcome. The result is a practical, evidence-based framework that York will draw on as it develops its institutional action plan, helping it strengthen support for its researchers and position itself as an exemplar of sustainable, equitable publishing.