Abstract

Our Open Access (OA) Pathfinder, a collaboration between the University of Northumbria and the University of
Sunderland, aimed to develop and share tools and best practice to enable HEIs with limited external resources to
effectively and creatively respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by OA. To achieve this we
identified four discrete project objectives and a methodology which emphasised engagement locally and with
the other HEI’s that comprised the wider programme.
Importantly, the wider context of this focus was our recognition of the global movement towards open research
and an impact agenda which demonstrates and rewards value for money from public investment. Subsequently,
throughout our project activity we aimed to explore and develop extensible models, policies and procedures
which go beyond OA compliance to engage with and shape these wider debates.
Throughout the programme we disseminated our preliminary findings and ongoing thinking via our project blog
(http://oapathfinder.wordpress.com) as well as fora including conferences and workshops.
By the end of the two year programme, our project had successfully delivered against the four objectives and in
so doing demonstrated tangible impact. Crucially, for each aspect of our project further work is needed to refine
and develop solutions and practice to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by OA. We believe that
against a background of a rapidly evolving policy and funding landscape JISC are uniquely positioned to facilitate
a community of practice to play a pivotal role in making this happen.