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openCost

openCost
Germany
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About

Launched: 2023
Record Updated: Nov 06, 2026
Open scholarly dataset
Standard, specification or protocol
The aim of openCost is to establish a technical infrastructure that enables the automated and continuous dissemination of publication cost data, fostering cost transparency at (inter-)national levels.
Therefore, a metadata schema has been developed to record publication costs in a structured way, to be exposed and harvested via OAI-PMH. Its implementation on OpenAPC, a major aggregator of cost data, allows the Electronic Journals Library (EZB) to seamlessly integrate costs for display. Initially focusing on journal articles, the schema will be expanded to cover additional publication- and cost types. A validator will facilitate seamless compliance checks. Another focus is the development of a generic openCost internal format, providing institutions with a blueprint for proprietary implementations and supporting local cost monitoring. In addition, the EZB will be expanded to include a contract registry. A dashboard will enable the evaluation of aggregated cost data from various sources.

Domain Relevance

  • Generalist (no disciplinary-focus)

Mission

The transition to open access has increased the visibility of scholarly work, but understanding and managing publication costs remains complex. Shifting from subscription-based to fee-based or institution-financed models fundamentally changes processes, financial flows, and the roles of stakeholders. Additionally, the lack of cost transparency from publishers poses significant challenges for institutions and researchers, who often face hidden or unclear fees, making budgeting and financial planning more complicated. In addition, although many institutions already track publication costs in some form, this tracking is neither uniform nor complete. Our project, openCost, addresses this issue head-on. The aim of openCost is to establish a technical infrastructure that enables the automated and continuous dissemination of publication cost data, fostering cost transparency at (inter-)national levels.

Key Achievements

We developed a metadata schema to record the publication costs of a scientific institution in a structured form and exchange them via OAI-PMH. In addition to OA publication charges (APCs), this also includes costs from transformative agreements as well as additional costs such as color charges or processing fees. Via OAI-PMH, service providers like OpenAPC can harvest publication costs directly from the institutions.
Additionally, the Electronic Journals Library (EZB) has been expanded to include functions for displaying publication information. With the new functions, expected publication costs as well as information on their funding can be displayed transparently at journal level. This helps researchers to weigh up different publication options.
Furthermore, we've established the openCost Registry, that enables the structured recording of business and contract models in scholarly publishing, including memberships, subscribe-to-open models, and support for scholarly infrastructures.

Technical Attributes

Maintenance Status

Actively Maintained

Open Code Repository

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Technical Documentation

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Code License

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Open Product Roadmap

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Technical Attribute Statements

Programming Languages

  • Other
xsl

Technology Readiness Level

  • Actual system proven in operational environment

Code Licenses Used

  • GNU General Public License (GPL)

Content Licensing

  • Creative commons licenses

Standards

Metadata

  • OAI-PMH

Persistent Identifier

  • Research Organization Registry
Other:
opencostid, DOI, ESAC

Integrations

  • DSpace
  • ePrints
  • Invenio RDM

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Implemented
openCost Mailing List (Opens in new window)

Contribution Guidelines or Fora

Implemented
Website (Opens in new window)

Community Statements

Community Engagement Activities

  • Blogs
  • Community calls
  • Conference participation
  • Mailing lists and discussion forums (including Slack)
  • Webinars and training

Engagement with Values Frameworks

  • FAIR Guiding Principles for Scientific Data Management and Stewardship

Policies & Governance

Governance Summary

openCost is a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG - grant number 457354095) and jointly carried out by Bielefeld University Library, the University Library of Regensburg, and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY. The three project partners share responsibility for the project and make the decisions on its further development. The current second project phase runs until 2028.

Policies

Policy Statements

Board Structure

  • None

Board Level

  • Other
No board structure

Community Governance

  • None

Funding

Primary Funding Source

  • Other
German Research Foundation (DFG)

Revenue Sources

  • Grants (public)
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