Cost of publication – Who pays for it?

Open access publications are expensive for authors. It is, however, likely that open access papers may get cited more often due to higher visibility and hence an open access journal have the potential to improve impact factor.

Many top rated journals, on the other hand, charge hefty fees too for authors as publication fees. Not all institutes support author fees. This puts researchers from developing nations in tight spot leaving the low impact factor, non-open access journals as the only targets. Good work, therefore, may go unnoticed if it is not just a click away from the reader. Combined effect of low impact factor and high cost of accessing publications from economically disadvantaged nations act like a two edged sword.

High cost of publication by a reputed publisher is a reality. It is even higher if the readers seek a print version, often from the developing world.

Benefits of Hinari from WHO is also being narrowed down to fewer nations.

Who should then pay for access to science by clinicians and researchers of the Developing world? Authors, readers, libraries, organizations or the industry?

Can anyone find the Good Samaritan?