Statement on open access to scholarly information

The Group of Eight vice-chancellors, representing Australia's pre-eminent research universities, record their commitment to open access initiatives that will enhance global access to scholarly information for the public good.

The vice-chancellors note that:

* information, if it is to achieve maximum benefit for society, must be readily available to a global audience * the rapid development of digital communication technologies provides expanded opportunities for the widespread dissemination of scholarly information * new business models are required to ensure that scholarly publishing is cost effective * any development in digital publishing must incorporate the current framework of scholarly publishing standards relating to the quality of inquiry and reporting * digital publishing initiatives must appropriately recognise and protect the intellectual property of the authors and require accepted standards of attribution * the Group of Eight universities are providing leadership in the development of digital publishing initiatives in Australia.

The vice-chancellors support:

* ongoing development of open access initiatives in Group of Eight universities * digital publishing practices that underpin the timely, cost-effective dissemination of the highest quality scholarly information with a commitment to good practice * further examination of criteria for promotion in new publishing models.

Professor Ian W. Chubb AO Chair, The Group of Eight Vice-Chancellor The Australian National University

Professor James McWha Vice-Chancellor The University of Adelaide

Professor Kwong Lee Dow AM Vice-Chancellor The University of Melbourne

Professor Richard Larkins AO Vice-Chancellor Monash University

Professor Mark Wainwright Vice-Chancellor The University of New South Wales

Professor John A. Hay AC Vice-Chancellor The University of Queensland

Professor Gavin Brown Vice-Chancellor The University of Sydney

Professor Alan Robson AM Vice-Chancellor The University of Western Australia

April 2004