Skip to main content

For Libraries

Are you assessing OA book publishing initiatives?


Opening the Future helps you make informed decisions by ticking all the boxes

  • Works with existing acquisition infrastructure
  • Supports Diversity, Equity & Inclusion goals
  • Builds your library collection with perpetual access
  • Benefits authors and institutions without dedicated OA funds
  • Authors and institutions don't have to pay expensive BPCs
  • Complies with funder mandates for monograph publishing
  • Supports small independent university and mission-driven presses
  • Sources and disseminates research openly and globally

Value For Money

A three-year commitment to receive perpetual access to 28-200 quality backlist titles is less than half an average BPC for a single book at many commercial publishers, and it simultaneously funds new OA books. With this program, library investment goes much further.

No catches and no hidden fees. No bait and switch.

Members won't be asked to pay more on top of their annual fee to access 'more' or 'better' titles. Access to titles won't suddenly change. Participating presses are upfront about their fees, about what's in their packages of backlist books, and about any other benefits or services to libraries.

Sign up to subscribe as a member library

Collective OA Funding

Supports equitable and inclusive publication by avoiding BPCs, which are unsustainable and unaffordable by many institutions and authors and which create barriers to participation.

Enhanced Library Collections

Provides high quality backlist titles for the membership fee, which is then used solely to fund OA frontlist, enhancing your teaching and research library collection.

Seamless Integration

Fits easily into existing library workflows using similar channels to conventional subscriptions, providing DRM-free access via the Fulcrum platform or Project MUSE, with support from the non-profit library organisation Lyrasis, and other trusted partners.

Exceptional Value

A three-year subscription to 28-200 closed back content titles costs considerably less than the average BPC for a frontlist title. And after three years, your access to the backlist books is perpetual.

Transparent & Reliable

Announcing new OA titles as funds accrue, with a clear pricing structure, and creating a reliable funding stream since 2021 with immediate OA publication.

Community Empowerment

Community of Practice voluntary group for all members, with continuous feedback from trusted library organisations like Jisc (UK) and Lyrasis (USA) with wide community engagement.

Technical Features & Compliance

  • Once a Press hits the threshold for funding the next frontlist book in the publishing pipeline, it can go immediately OA
  • OA frontlist publications are indexed in DOAB and findable in OAPEN, as well as other platforms
  • DRM-free unlimited access with persistent DOIs
  • KBART or MARC metadata files available
  • COUNTER-compliant usage data provided
  • Compliant with many funder mandates (UKRI, Wellcome, Horizon 2020 and others)
  • Funds the publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed books in OA format with CC licences
  • New frontlist OA books go through the same editorial processes as any other book at the Press

Sign up to subscribe as a member library

Building a Community of Member Libraries

Over 100+ library members including consortia, some are now renewing their membership, funding more OA books and simultaneously increasing their own local collections. See our Supporters page for a complete list of members.

Join our Community of Practice

The OtF presses, member libraries and platform partners meet on Zoom every quarter to discuss challenges and opportunities and to swap information. You are invited to join and listen in or ask questions - you don't have to be a subscribing member to join the calls. Contact membersupport@lyrasis.org if you'd like to be added to be sent the Zoom link.