Open access publishing can generally be divided into two categories: gratis open access and libre open access. Gratis open access is free to access but does not allow for reuse, often requiring readers to abide by copyright restrictions. Libre open access allows anyone to access, use, and distribute content without the need to adhere to copyright restrictions.
The most common types of gratis open access publishing are the traditional journals, in which authors pay a fee to have their works published and made available on the publisher’s website. Examples of traditional journals utilizing gratis open access include PLOS, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Circulation Research.
Libre open access, on the other hand, allows users to access, use, reproduce, and distribute content without paying a fee or adhering to copyright restrictions. Examples of libre open access publishing include open access books, which are typically hosted online and free for the public to read and download, as well as open access repositories, in which research papers, data, and other related materials are made freely available.
In conclusion, both gratis open access and libre open access have advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, the traditional publishing model allows authors to get their work seen by a wider audience and brings in revenue for the publisher. On the other hand, open access publishing ensures that research is free for all to access, increasing the reach of science and allowing for more collaboration between scientists. Ultimately, it depends on what works best for a particular author and their research field.
