Open Access Week 2026 at Rutgers University Libraries
Universitywide
How do researchers maximize the visibility of their work while navigating rising publishing costs, funder requirements, and an increasingly complex scholarly communications ecosystem? These are key questions at the heart of “The Cost of Knowledge,” the theme for this year’s International Open Access Week (October 19–25). Rutgers University Libraries will explore these topics through a series of workshops focused on open publishing, researcher identity, and affordable access to knowledge.
Finding the Right Publishing Path
Open access publishing continues to expand across disciplines, and both federal agencies and private funders increasingly encourage public access to research outputs. Identifying an appropriate journal has become increasingly complex. Researchers must balance disciplinary fit, audience, publication costs, funder requirements, and the growing number of open access publishing options available. So, where should you publish?
Open Journal Finder: Discovering Open Access Publishing Opportunities
Monday, October 19, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Led by Jeff Carroll, director of collection strategies, this workshop will demonstrate how to use the new Open Journal Finder tool to identify reputable open access journals, compare article processing charges (APCs), and discover opportunities where publishing fees may be reduced or waived through Rutgers University Libraries agreements with publishers. The session will provide practical guidance for researchers seeking to maximize the visibility, accessibility, and impact of their work.
Register for Open Journal Finder: Discovering Open Access Publishing Opportunities
Expanding Access to Learning
Open access is about more than research articles. It is also about ensuring that students have equitable access to learning materials. Many faculty members are seeking ways to reduce barriers to learning by replacing costly textbooks with openly available educational resources. How can course materials be made more affordable without sacrificing quality?
The Cost of Knowledge: Reducing Textbook and Course Material Costs through the OAT Program
Tuesday, October 20, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Naomi Gold, reference and instruction librarian at the John Cotton Dana Library in Newark, will introduce Rutgers' Open and Affordable Textbooks (OAT) Program. The OAT Program provides funding for instructors who adopt, adapt, or create affordable course materials, including open educational resources (OER). Participants will explore successful projects, learn how the program supports teaching and learning, and prepare for the next OAT funding cycle.
Building a Visible Research Identity
As scholarly communication becomes increasingly digital, researcher identity management has become an essential part of the research process. How can you increase the visibility and impact of your work? How do you ensure that your publications, grants, and professional activities remain connected to you throughout your career? ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) provides a free, unique, and persistent digital identifier that helps researchers connect their scholarly contributions and receive proper credit for their work.
Make Your ORCID Bloom: Managing Researcher Identity with ORCID
October 21, noon to 1 p.m.
Yingting Zhang, research services librarian at the Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences in New Brunswick, will hold a workshop about how a well-maintained ORCID record can help researchers build their professional presence, connect their research outputs, and strengthen their academic reputation. Participants will learn how to create, enhance, and manage their ORCID profiles.
Register for Make Your ORCID Bloom: Managing Researcher Identity with ORCID
Claim Your ORCID iD, Then Wear It!
October 22, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mei Ling Lo, science research librarian at the Library of Science and Medicine, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, will host an interactive, in-person workshop on Busch campus. Attendees will receive a brief introduction to ORCID before creating a custom bracelet featuring their ORCID iD. Researchers who have not yet created an ORCID profile will be able to set one up during the session.
Register for Claim Your ORCID iD, Then Wear It!
The Libraries: Your Partner in Open Scholarship
Open Access Week reflects Rutgers University Libraries' ongoing commitment to supporting scholars throughout the research life cycle. From identifying publishing venues and navigating publication agreements to managing researcher identities and promoting affordable learning, library experts help researchers and instructors respond to an evolving scholarly communications environment.
For specialized assistance in these or other areas of research, contact ask_research@libraries.rutgers.edu.
See all of our upcoming open access workshop offerings.
Explore the full lineup of Rutgers University Libraries workshops.