SPAN: A new Open Access and Publishing Agreements Navigator tool for Researchers

The Library has introduced the Sydney Publishing Agreements Navigator (SPAN), a new tool designed to simplify how researchers access Open Access publishing options.

SPAN provides an ease of access to all 2026 Read and Publish Agreements in one place, providing a reliable and easy way to identify eligible journals and understand publishing conditions.

The tool enables researchers to make informed decisions about where to publish by offering clear, current information at both journal and publisher level. Through SPAN, users can search by journal title, publisher or subject area, and refine results using filters and sorting options. Search results provide key details such as Article Processing Charges (APC) coverage, agreement eligibility, author instructions, and other helpful information to use as a guide when selecting where to publish their research.

Key Features of Sydney Publishing Agreements Navigator:

• Ability to access information about all the Library’s Read and Publish Agreements in one location
• Flexible search options (journal title, publisher, subject area)
• Customisable filters and sort options for search results
• Frequently Asked Questions

Each journal page includes information such as:

• Article Processing Charge (APC) coverage: full coverage, or other available discount percent
• Journal Type: Fully Open ‘Gold’ Access, or Hybrid
• Agreement Cap (Yes / No): capped agreements cover a limited number of articles
• About the Journal: including journal background, notes from the publisher on charges (if applicable), and links to publisher website for more information
• Agreement Description: including the types of articles included in the agreement, agreement duration, links to publisher website for more agreement information
• Author Instructions: for all agreements corresponding authors must use their @sydney.edu.au or @uni.sydney.edu.au email address for eligibility
• Additional Charges: An indication of individual publisher levies beyond the Read and Publish agreement, with authors recommended to confirm details with the publisher.

How to Access:

• Log in using your UniKey and access Sydney Publishing Agreements Navigator
• For guidance and help, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page within the tool.