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Frequently Asked Questions

Article Processing Charges - APCs

Publishers levy article processing charges (APCs) to make articles freely available to read (open access).  Some libraries have negotiated transformative subscription agreements with publishers that cover APCs in their licences.  They are also described as read and publish agrements or open access publishing agreements.  University and other large libraries in Australia have negotiated these nationally via CAUL - The Council of Australian University Libraries.


EMHS / SMHS only has one agreement for BMJ Case Reports that covers the APC.

Publishers have indicated that they are interested in entering into such agreements but prefer to do it statewide in Health, rather than library by library.  There are moves to draw all WA Health libraries into a single service and if this goes ahead, establishing read and publish agreements will be a focus.

SMHS staff who have publications arising from research that is registered in RGS - the Research Governance System - may make application to cover an APC via an Open Access Publishing grant.  This is a link to the application form.

Staff who hold joint affiliations with universities may have access to university library read and publish agreements.  Joint affiliation status should be recorded wherever possible (i.e. with the health service as well as with the university).  WA Universities with such agreements are: