Penn State University Libraries has announced new open-access publishing agreements with two leading scientific publishers, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the American Chemical Society (ACS), set to begin in 2026. These contracts will allow Penn State researchers to publish peer-reviewed research without incurring author fees, ensuring free access for all readers. This initiative aligns with the university’s policy, enacted in January 2020, to make its scholarly research widely accessible.
“With increasing open-access requirements by federal funding agencies, it is more important than ever to ensure Penn State scientific papers are freely available to the public,” said John Meier, head of STEM libraries at Penn State University Park. “Following our agreements with other STEM publishers like Springer Nature, the University Libraries continues to negotiate contracts with scholarly publishers to remove financial barriers for Penn State researchers and, by extension, the global research community.”
Expanding Open-Access: A Strategic Move
The move to open-access publishing is not new for Penn State, but these agreements mark a significant expansion in its efforts. ACM, a prominent publisher in the computing field, will transition to a fully open-access model in 2026. Through a “read and publish” agreement, Penn State authors will not face any publishing charges. ACM’s extensive publication portfolio includes over 75 journals, seven magazines, and proceedings from 170 conferences, with Penn State contributing nearly 100 articles annually.
Similarly, the agreement with ACS, facilitated through the Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation (PALCI), will eliminate author publishing charges for Penn State researchers. ACS publishes more than 90 journals, including two new titles launching in 2026, with Penn State researchers contributing over 100 peer-reviewed articles annually.
Aligning with Federal Mandates
These agreements are particularly timely as they align with open-access mandates from federal funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Unlike some open-access agreements that limit the number of applicable articles per year, both ACM and ACS agreements with Penn State are unlimited, providing extensive opportunities for researchers.
Moreover, Penn State students and researchers will have full access to all journals published by ACS and ACM, broadening their research capabilities and resources.
Expert Opinions and Future Implications
Experts in the field of academic publishing note that such agreements are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. By removing financial barriers, more researchers can contribute to and benefit from the global exchange of ideas.
“Open-access publishing is a game-changer for academia,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in academic publishing. “It democratizes access to knowledge, allowing researchers from underfunded institutions to participate in global scholarly conversations.”
The implications of these agreements extend beyond Penn State. They set a precedent for other institutions to follow, potentially leading to a broader shift in the academic publishing landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 and Beyond
As Penn State prepares for the implementation of these agreements in 2026, the university continues to explore additional partnerships with other publishers. The goal is to further expand open-access opportunities and support the dissemination of knowledge without financial constraints.
The transition to open-access publishing represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. By ensuring that research is accessible to all, Penn State is not only aligning with federal mandates but also contributing to the global advancement of science and technology.
As the academic community anticipates these changes, the focus remains on maximizing the impact and reach of scholarly research. The upcoming years will be pivotal in shaping the future of academic publishing, with Penn State at the forefront of this transformative movement.
