Oxford’s Act on Acceptance service has since October 2015 allowed researchers to quickly and easily deposit their work in ORA via Symplectic Elements.This supports both the University’s Open Access policy for making research outputs widely available and our ability to optimise our submission to the next REF (Research Excellence Framework). We report on activity in April, the first month of the new HEFCE policy.
Deposits aplenty but more newly-accepted articles needed
During April a total of 1,088 items were deposited, bringing the grand total since October to 5,800. While this is an encouraging number and has allowed our processes and systems to be tested and adjusted, many of the deposits are ‘back catalogue’ items rather than the new papers (Author Accepted Manuscripts) which are the main focus of Act on Acceptance. Of the April total, only 220 were AAMs, which falls far short of Oxford’s estimated total output. So while we applaud all those who have deposited so far, there is much more to be done and we must urge everyone to get into the habit of Acting on Acceptance.
If you have had a paper accepted since 1st April 2016 you must deposit it within 3 months of acceptance.
No need for trepidation
On depositing his first article, one academic admitted to ‘approaching the submission with some trepidation. I was, however, absolutely delighted with the speed, coherence and logic of the whole process. The ability of your system (and, of course, yourselves) to establish what I could and couldn’t submit based on the publishing details was a massive help. Many congratulations on the system set up.’
Act on Acceptance: what to do
When you hear from the journal or conference that your paper has been accepted, simply log onto your Symplectic account, enter a few publication details and upload a copy of the peer-reviewed manuscript (Author Accepted Manuscript). The ORA staff will take care of the rest, liaising with you if required, and make the full text publicly available at the appropriate time in line with the HEFCE policy.
For more information about what to submit and how please go to Act on Acceptance or check our REF FAQ.
Help & Training
Ask your Subject Librarian, email the OA Team (openaccess@bodleian.ox.ac.uk), or come to a session.
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