Open Access for Monographs: Introduction
Answer
What is a monograph?
A monograph is an academic book focusing on a specific subject, or which responds to a research question. An academic monograph can present research either to a specialist audience, or to a wider interested audience. Academic monographs can range from books intended for distribution to University Libraries, to books aimed at commercial bookshops and retailers. A thesis can be developed and expanded into an academic monograph, or a monograph might result from a research project.
Academic monographs are longer than traditional scholarly articles and can be published as single standalone volumes or as part of a series. An edited collection is also a type of monograph presenting individually-authored chapters, compiled together around a theme.
Open Access for monographs
Monographs are also known as longform outputs, and may be subject to Open Access requirements. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) updated its Open Access policy to include monographs and book chapters in 2024, aligning with the established mandate of The Wellcome Trust.
You can access more information on funder policies, funding opportunities, and Open Access options for longform outputs via the following articles:
Expectations for monographs as part of REF
There is no Open Access requirement in REF 2029 [link to REF KB article] for longform outputs. Rather, making monographs OA is likely to be encouraged and evidenced within the ‘People, Culture and Environment’ element of REF submissions. [Link to out of scope KB article]
More information
For more information about the current context and future of Open Access for monographs, please see Open Access for monographs: context [Link to KB article Open Access for monographs: context]