CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=Edge" /><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><title>Frequently Asked Questions - Scholarly Communication - Research Guides at Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries</title><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"><meta name="robots" content="noarchive" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/favicon-16x16.png"> <link rel="manifest" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/site.webmanifest"> <link rel="mask-icon" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/safari-pinned-tab.svg" color="#5bbad5"> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/favicon.ico"> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#ffc40d"> <meta name="msapplication-config" content="//d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/apps/common/favicon/browserconfig.xml"> <meta name="theme-color" content="#ffffff">    <meta name="DC.Title" content="Research Guides: Scholarly Communication: Frequently Asked Questions"/> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Toby Malone"/> <meta name="DC.Subject" content="Library Help"/> <meta name="DC.Description" content="This guide contains information and resources related to scholarly communication and publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University."/> <meta name="DC.Publishers" content="Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries"/> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Copyright Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries 2025"/> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en"/> <meta name="DC.Identifier" content="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/faq"/> <meta name="DC.Date.Created" content="Jul 2, 2015"/> <meta name="DC.Date.Modified" content="Jan 8, 2025"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Research Guides: Scholarly Communication: Frequently Asked Questions"> <meta property="og:description" content="This guide contains information and resources related to scholarly communication and publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University."> <meta property="og:type" content="website"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/faq"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@springshare"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/jquery/css/jquery-ui.min.css?2691" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://netdna.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/4.7.0/css/font-awesome.min.css"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/slick-1.8.1/slick/slick.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/slick-1.8.1/slick/slick-theme.css"><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/css3.15.3/lg-public.min.css" /><script type="text/javascript" src="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/jquery/js/1.12.4_jquery.min.js"></script><script> jQuery(document).ready(function () { jQuery(".dropdown-toggle").on("click",function(e){ jQuery(this).siblings("ul.s-lg-subtab-ul.dropdown-menu").toggle(); }) }); </script> <script src="//code.jquery.com/ui/1.13.2/jquery-ui.min.js"></script> <script> jQuery.ui || document.write('<script src="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/jquery/js/jquery-ui.min.js?2691">\x3C/script>'); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/js3.15.3/lg-public.min.js"></script><style>/** bootstrap_tab_css.twig **/ #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button { border: 1px solid transparent; -webkit-border-radius: 0; -moz-border-radius: 0; border-radius: 0; background-color: #2F5EA2; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; padding: 4px 15px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs { border-bottom: 0; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li#s-lg-admin-tab-add > a { -webkit-border-radius: 4px 4px 0 0; -moz-border-radius: 4px 4px 0 0; border-radius: 4px 4px 0 0; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button:hover { border: 1px solid transparent; -webkit-border-radius: 0; -moz-border-radius: 0; border-radius: 0; background-color: #3871DC; color: #fff; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > a, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > button, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > .active > a, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > .active > button { color: #fff; cursor: default; background-color: #3871DC; border: 1px solid transparent; -webkit-border-radius: 0; -moz-border-radius: 0; border-radius: 0; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > .s-lg-subtab-ul > .active > a, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > .s-lg-subtab-ul > .active > button { color: #fff; cursor: default; background-color: #3871DC; border-bottom-color: transparent; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > a:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > .active > a:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > .active > button:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > .active > button:hover { color: #fff; cursor: pointer; background-color: #3871DC; border: 1px solid transparent; -webkit-border-radius: 0; -moz-border-radius: 0; border-radius: 0; border-bottom-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav .dropdown-toggle .caret { border-top-color: #e1e1e1; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs button.dropdown-toggle .caret { margin-left: 2px; margin-top: -3px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a.s-lg-tab-drop { border-radius: 0; padding: 4px 6px 4px 3px; border-left: 1px solid transparent; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button.s-lg-tab-drop { border-radius: 0; padding: 4px 6px 0px 3px; border-left: 1px solid transparent; margin-right: 2px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a.s-lg-tab-drop:hover { border-radius: 0; border-left: 1px solid #bbb; padding: 4px 6px 4px 3px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button.s-lg-tab-drop:hover { border-radius: 0; border-left: 1px solid #bbb; padding: 4px 6px 0px 3px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a.s-lg-tab-top-link, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > a.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button.s-lg-tab-top-link, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs > li > button.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover { border-radius: 0; font-weight: bold; padding: 4px 5px 4px 10px; } .nav-tabs > li > a.s-lg-tab-top-link, .nav-tabs > li > button.s-lg-tab-top-link { margin-right: 0px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a.s-lg-tab-drop, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button.s-lg-tab-drop { border-radius: 0; padding: 4px 8px 4px 8px; border-left: 1px solid transparent; position: absolute; right: 0; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a.s-lg-tab-drop:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button.s-lg-tab-drop:hover { border-radius: 0; border-left: 1px solid #bbb; padding: 4px 8px 4px 8px; } #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a.s-lg-tab-top-link, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > a.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button.s-lg-tab-top-link, #s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills > li > button.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover { width: 100%; float: left; border-radius: 0; font-weight: bold; padding: 4px 15px 4px 15px; } /** !bootstrap_tab_css.twig **/ .s-lib-box {border-color: #cccccc; border-width: 1px; box-shadow: 0 8px 6px -6px #AAAAAA; border-radius: 4px 4px 4px 4px; background-color: #fff; } .s-lib-box-std .s-lib-box-title {background-color: #f1f1f1; background-image: none;color: #888; border-bottom: 1px solid #cccccc; } .s-lib-box .s-lib-box-title {background-color: #f1f1f1; background-image: none;color: #888; border-bottom: 1px solid #cccccc; border-radius: 3px 3px 0px 0px; } .s-lib-box .s-lg-box-footer { border-radius: 0px 0px 3px 3px; }</style> <style>body{padding:0;font-size:14px}.alert{overflow-wrap:break-word}.s-lib-side-borders{padding-right:15px;padding-left:15px}.s-ui-helptip .popover-title{margin:0}#s-lg-guide-header-info h1,.s-lib-header h1{font-size:2em}.s-lib-public-side-header h2{font-family:inherit;font-weight:700;line-height:1.25em;font-size:1.75em}#s-lib-scroll-top{display:none !important}#s-lib-footer-public{font-size:0.75em;line-height:1.75em;background:none;border:none}form[id^="s-lg-frm-guide-widget-"]{display:flex}form[id^="s-lg-frm-guide-widget-"] .form-control{min-width:0}.s-lib-public-side-header h2{line-height:1.5em;font-size:1.5em;font-weight:700;background:var(--ryerson-blue);color:var(--white);margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding:0.5em 1em;border-bottom:none;border:0}.s-lib-public-side-header h2>a{color:var(--white)}.s-lib-public-side-header+.txt h3{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.25em;font-weight:700;font-size:1.1em;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:0.35em}.s-lib-box{border:0;background:var(--white);border-radius:0;box-shadow:none}.txt{margin-top:0;padding:0 1em 1em;background:var(--white)}.txt.pad-top-sm{padding-top:1em}.s-lib-box .s-lib-box-title{line-height:1.5em;font-size:1.5em;font-weight:700;background:var(--ryerson-blue);color:var(--white);margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding:0.5em 1em;border-bottom:none;border:0}.s-lib-box .s-lib-box-title>a{color:var(--white)}.s-lib-box-content{padding:1em 1.5em}.s-lib-box h3{line-height:1.25em;font-size:1.25em;font-weight:700}.s-lib-box h4{line-height:1.1em;font-size:1.1em;font-weight:700}.s-lg-link-list{padding:0;list-style-type:none}.s-lg-link-list li{padding-top:0}.s-lg-link-list>li+li{margin-top:1em}.s-lg-link-list a{font-weight:700}.s-lg-tn{margin-left:0}.margin-right-sm{margin-right:1em !important}.imgshadow{box-shadow:0 5px 5px 0 silver}.rightbuffer{margin-right:2em}#s-lg-az-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile .s-lib-box-title,#s-lg-sb-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile .s-lib-box-title{display:none}#s-lg-az-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile #s-lg-box-collapse-profile .s-lib-box-content,#s-lg-sb-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile #s-lg-box-collapse-profile .s-lib-box-content{padding:0}#s-lg-az-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile #s-lg-box-collapse-profile .s-lib-profile-image img,#s-lg-sb-experts-div #s-lg-box-profile #s-lg-box-collapse-profile .s-lib-profile-image img{background-color:transparent;border:none;box-shadow:none;padding:0;max-width:auto}.lg-content-box-search .input-append{padding:0 1em 1em;background:var(--white)}.lg-content-box-search .input-append form{display:flex}.lg-content-box-az,.lg-content-box-help{background:var(--white)}.lg-content-box-az a.btn,.lg-content-box-help a.btn{margin-left:1em;margin-bottom:1em}blockquote{font-size:1em}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs{border-bottom:none}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li{margin-bottom:0;margin-right:1px}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li>a,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li>button{color:var(--white);background-color:var(--ryerson-lightblue);font-size:14px;font-weight:700;margin:0;padding:10px 15px;border-radius:0;border:0}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li>a:hover,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li>button:hover{background-color:var(--ryerson-secondary-color);border:none}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li.active>a,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs>li.active>button{color:var(--black);background-color:var(--white)}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li{margin-top:0}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li.active{background:var(--white)}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li.active>a,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li.active>a:hover{border:0}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li.dropdown{display:flex}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li.dropdown .dropdown-toggle{display:flex;align-items:center}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li>a.s-lg-tab-top-link,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-tabs li>a.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover{padding:10px 15px;float:none}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li{position:relative;background:var(--white)}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li:hover{background:var(--black)}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li:hover>a{color:var(--white)}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li>a{color:var(--black);background:none;border:0;border-radius:0;padding:10px 15px;font-weight:400;text-decoration:underline}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li>a:hover{background:none;border:0;border-radius:0;padding:10px 15px}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li>a.s-lg-tab-top-link,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li>a.s-lg-tab-top-link:hover{padding:10px 15px;padding-right:2em;float:none;font-weight:400}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills li>a.s-lg-tab-drop{top:0;padding:10px 15px !important;background:none}#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills .active>a,#s-lg-tabs-container .nav-pills .active>a:hover{color:var(--white);background:var(--black);border:0;border-radius:0;padding:10px 15px}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav{background:var(--main-bg-color);border-top:1px solid var(--main-bg-color);margin-top:0px;margin-left:0;padding-left:20px}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav .list-group-item{padding:10px 15px;border-radius:0 !important;margin:1px 0 0 0;background:var(--white);border:none}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav .list-group-item>a{color:var(--black);background:none;padding:0}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav .list-group-item:hover{background:var(--black)}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav .list-group-item:hover>a{color:var(--white)}.s-lg-tabs-side #s-lg-tabs-container .s-lg-boxnav .list-group-item:first-child{margin-top:0}.s-lg-tabs-side .s-lg-subtab-ul.nav.nav-pills{background:var(--main-bg-color);border-top:1px solid var(--main-bg-color);margin-top:0px;margin-left:0;padding-left:20px}.nav-stacked>li+li{margin-top:1px}#s-lg-hp-nav{background:none;color:var(--black);border-radius:0;margin-bottom:0}#s-lg-hp-nav>ul>li{padding:0}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills{border-bottom:none;margin-bottom:0 !important}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li{margin-bottom:0;margin-right:1px}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li>a,#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li>button{color:var(--white);background-color:var(--ryerson-lightblue);font-size:14px;font-weight:700;margin:0;padding:10px 15px;border-radius:0;border:0}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li>a:hover,#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li>button:hover{background-color:var(--ryerson-secondary-color);border:none}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li.active>a,#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills>li.active>button{color:var(--black);background-color:var(--white)}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills li+li{margin-left:0}#s-lg-hp-nav ul.nav-pills .s-lg-index-nav-btn>button:focus{outline:1px dotted}#s-lg-hp-nav li#s-lg-hp-nav-bottom{background:var(--white);padding:1em;border-radius:0}#s-lg-guide-list-controls{background:var(--white);padding:0 2rem 2rem;margin-bottom:0 !important}#s-lg-guide-list-controls:after{content:"";clear:both;display:table}#s-lg-guide-list-controls #s-lg-index-list-header{margin:0}#s-lg-index-list{background:var(--white);padding:0 2rem 2rem;margin-bottom:0 !important}#s-lg-index-list .panel-group .panel{border-radius:0;border:0;box-shadow:none}#s-lg-index-list .panel-default>.panel-heading{color:var(--black);background-color:var(--grey);border:0;border-radius:0}#s-lg-index-list .panel-default>.panel-heading a{color:var(--link-color);line-height:2em;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between}#s-lg-index-list .panel-default>.panel-heading a .badge{order:2;font-size:1em;line-height:2em;border-radius:2em;height:2em;width:2em;min-width:2em;padding:0}#s-lg-index-list .panel-default .panel-body{border:1px solid var(--grey);border-top:none}#s-lg-index-list .panel-default .panel-body a{font-weight:400}#s-lg-index-list-guides{margin:0}#s-lg-index-list-guides #col-1{padding:0}#s-lg-index-list-guides #col-1 .s-lib-box-content{padding:0}#s-lg-index-list-guides #col-1 .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gtitle a{font-weight:400 !important}#s-lg-index-cols #col2>div{background:var(--white)}.s-lg-facet-div-title{background:var(--ryerson-blue) !important;color:var(--white) !important;font-size:1.25em !important;line-height:1.25em !important;font-weight:700 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;padding:1em !important;border-bottom:none !important}.s-lg-facet-div-title>a{color:var(--white) !important}.s-lg-facet-div-content{margin-top:0 !important;padding:0.5em 1em !important;background:var(--white) !important}.s-lg-facet-div-content>label{margin-top:5px}.s-srch-resultlist>strong:after{content:"";clear:both;display:table}.s-srch-result{padding:15px !important;margin:0 !important;border-bottom:1px solid var(--ryerson-blue) !important}#s-lg-srch-local #s-lg-srch-nav-1{padding:0 !important}#s-lg-srch-local #s-lg-srch-form{width:100% !important;padding:10px 0 0 !important}#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs{border-bottom:none;margin-bottom:0 !important}#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li{margin-bottom:0;margin-right:1px}#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li>a,#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li>button{color:var(--white);background-color:var(--ryerson-lightblue);font-size:14px;font-weight:700;margin:0;padding:10px 15px;border-radius:0;border:0}#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li>a:hover,#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li>button:hover{background-color:var(--ryerson-secondary-color);border:none}#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li.active>a,#s-lg-sb-cols .nav-tabs>li.active>button{color:var(--black);background-color:var(--white)}#s-lg-sb-cols .tab-content{background:var(--white);padding:0 2rem 2rem;margin-bottom:0 !important}#s-lg-sb-cols .tab-content .s-lg-db-panel{background:var(--grey)}#s-lg-sb-content-guides .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;padding:0}#s-lg-sb-content-guides .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gtitle{order:0;line-height:35px}#s-lg-sb-content-guides .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gtitle a{font-weight:400 !important}#s-lg-sb-content-guides .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gmeta{order:1;line-height:35px}#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-db-name-featured,#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-sb-name-regular{margin-bottom:1.5rem !important;padding:0;background:var(--grey)}#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-db-name-featured .s-lg-db-panel-title,#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-sb-name-regular .s-lg-db-panel-title{margin:0}#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-db-name-featured .s-lib-box,#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-sb-name-regular .s-lib-box{background:transparent}#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-db-name-featured .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list,#s-lg-sb-content-databases #s-lg-sb-name-regular .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list{margin:0}#s-lg-profile-cols #col2 .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content{padding:0}#s-lg-profile-cols #col2 .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gtitle{line-height:35px}#s-lg-profile-cols #col2 .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gtitle a{font-weight:400 !important}#s-lg-profile-cols #col2 .s-lib-box-idx-guide-list .s-lib-box-content .s-lg-gmeta{line-height:35px}#s-lg-profile-cols #col3 .txt a{font-size:1em !important}#s-lg-az-results #s-lg-db-name-featured,.s-lg-db-name-featured{margin-bottom:10px;border-radius:0;border:none;padding:0 2rem;background:var(--white)}.s-lg-db-panel{margin-bottom:10px;border-radius:0;border:none;padding:0 2rem;background:var(--white)}.s-lg-db-panel .s-lg-db-panel-title{line-height:1.5em;font-size:1.5em;font-weight:700;background:var(--ryerson-blue);color:var(--white);margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding:0.5em 1em;border-bottom:none;margin:0 -2rem}.s-lg-db-panel .s-lg-db-panel-title>a{color:var(--white)}.s-lg-db-panel .s-lg-az-result{border-bottom:0;padding:1em 0}.s-lg-db-panel .s-lg-az-result+.s-lg-az-result{border-top:1px solid var(--grey)}#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:last-child .txt{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-evenly;padding:0.5em}#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:last-child .s-lib-featured-profile-container{width:50%;margin:0;padding:0.5em}#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:last-child .s-lib-featured-profile-image{margin:0}#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:last-child .s-lib-featured-profile-name{margin:0.5em}#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:last-child .txt+a{margin:0 1em 1em} p.apa-indent {text-indent: -2ch;padding-left: 2ch;} @media only screen and (min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 991px){#s-lg-index-cols #col2 div:nth-child(4) .s-lib-featured-profile-container{width:25%}}</style><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://ryersonlibrary.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/rylib-common/v0.2.x/rylib-common.css"/><script src="https://ryersonlibrary.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/rylib-common/v0.2.x/rylib-common.js"></script><script src="//libapps-ca.s3.amazonaws.com/sites/2734/include/autotrack.js"></script><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.4.2/css/all.min.css" integrity="sha512-z3gLpd7yknf1YoNbCzqRKc4qyor8gaKU1qmn+CShxbuBusANI9QpRohGBreCFkKxLhei6S9CQXFEbbKuqLg0DA==" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer" /><script> var springStats = springStats || {}; springStats.saConfig = springStats.saConfig || { site_id: 2734, tracking_parameters: {"_st_guide_id":325807,"_st_page_id":5361091,"_st_site_id":2734}, tracking_server_host: "libguides-proc-ca.springyaws.com" }; </script> <script src="https://static-assets-ca.libguides.com/web/js/sa.min.js?3116"></script> <script> springSpace.Common = springSpace.Common || { }; springSpace.Common.constant = { PROCESSING: { ACTION_DISPLAY_POLL: 159 } }; springSpace.Common.baseURL = "https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/"; handleScroll=function() { if (false) { var target_elt = "#s-lg-page-section-5361091"; jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: jQuery(target_elt).offset().top }, 750); if (jQuery(this).scrollTop() > 220) { jQuery("#s-lib-scroll-top").fadeIn(750); } } } </script> <script> // Enable tooltips. jQuery(function () { try { springSpace.UI.initPopOvers(); jQuery(".az-bs-tooltip").tooltip(); } catch (e) { } }); jQuery(document).ready(function () { springSpace.springTrack.trackPage({_st_type_id: '1',_st_group_id: '15095',_st_guide_id: '325807',_st_page_id: '5361091'}); }); jQuery(document).ready(function() { handleScroll(); }); </script></head> <body class="s-lg-guide-body"> <a id="s-lg-public-skiplink" class="alert-info" href="#s-lg-guide-main">Skip to Main Content</a>  <header class="global-header-top"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-xs-12"><nav class="navbar"><div class="container-fluid"><div class="navbar-header"><a class="navbar-brand" href="https://library.torontomu.ca"><img src="https://libapps-ca.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/2311/images/TMU-Libraries-rgb.png" alt="Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries"></a><div class="navbar-toggle-wrap"><button class="navbar-toggle collapsed" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#site-search-form" aria-expanded="false"><span class="sr-only">Toggle search form</span><i class="fa fa-search" title="Toggle search form"></i></button><button class="navbar-toggle collapsed" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#global-navigation" aria-expanded="false"><span class="sr-only">Toggle navigation</span><i class="fa fa-bars" title="Toggle navigation"></i></button></div></div><div class="collapse navbar-collapse navbar-left" id="site-search-form"><div class="rylib-search-form"><form class="navbar-form" action="/srch.php" method="get"><label class="sr-only" for="site-search">Search Research Guides</label><input id="site-search" type="text" name="s" placeholder="Search Research Guides"/><button aria-label="Search" type="submit"><i class="fa fa-search" title="Search"></i></button></form></div></div><div class="collapse navbar-collapse navbar-right" id="global-navigation"><ul class="nav navbar-nav" role="navigation"><li><a href="https://my.torontomu.ca">my.torontomu</a></li><li><a href="https://torontomu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/account?vid=01OCUL_TMU:01OCUL_TMU">Renew Loans</a></li></ul></div></div></nav></div></div></div></header><header class="global-header-bottom"><div class="container"><div class="navbar-header"><a class="navbar-brand" href="https://library.torontomu.ca">Home</a><button class="navbar-toggle collapsed" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#global-header-botton" aria-expanded="false"><span class="sr-only">Toggle navigation</span><i class="fa fa-angle-down" title="Toggle navigation"></i></button></div><div class="collapse navbar-collapse" id="global-header-botton"><ul class="nav navbar-nav"><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/guides">Research</a></li><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/services/">Services</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/visit-us/">Visit Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/info/about-us/">About Us</a></li></ul></div></div></header>   <div id="s-lg-guide-header" class="container s-lib-header s-lib-side-borders"> <nav id="s-lib-bc" aria-label="breadcrumb" role="navigation"> <ol id="s-lib-bc-list" class="breadcrumb"><li id="s-lib-bc-customer" class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="http://library.torontomu.ca">Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries</a></li><li id="s-lib-bc-site" class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/">Research Guides</a></li><li id="s-lib-bc-group" class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/researchers">Faculty Guides</a></li><li id="s-lib-bc-guide" class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm">Scholarly Communication</a></li><li id="s-lib-bc-page" class="active breadcrumb-item">Frequently Asked Questions</li></ol> </nav> <div class="pull-right"> <div id="s-lg-guide-header-search"> <div id="s-lg-guide-search-box"> <form role="search" id="s-lg-guide-search-form" action="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/srch.php" method="GET"> <div class="input-group input-group-sm"> <input type="text" id="s-lg-guide-search-terms" name="q" class="form-control" maxlength="260" placeholder="Search this Guide"> <label class="sr-only" for="s-lg-guide-search-terms">Search this Guide</label><input type="hidden" name="guide_id" value="325807" /><span class="input-group-btn"><button class="btn btn-default" type="submit">Search</button></span></div></form></div> </div> </div> <div id="s-lg-guide-header-info"> <h1 id="s-lg-guide-name">Scholarly Communication</h1> <div id="s-lg-guide-desc-container"> <span id="s-lg-guide-description">This guide contains information and resources related to scholarly communication and publishing at Toronto Metropolitan University.</span> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="s-lg-guide-tabs-title-bar" class="container s-lib-side-borders"></div> <div id="s-lg-side-nav-content" class="container s-lib-side-borders pad-top-med"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-3 s-lg-tabs-side pad-bottom-med"> <div id="s-lg-tabs-container"> <div id="s-lg-guide-tabs" role="navigation" aria-label="Guide Pages"> <ul class="nav nav-pills nav-stacked split-button-nav"> <li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/c.php?g=325807&p=2185618" ><span>Home</span></a></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/copyright" ><span>Copyright</span></a></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/repository" ><span>RShare: TMU's Digital Repository</span></a></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/journaleval" ><span>Evaluating Journals</span></a></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/c.php?g=325807&p=2727840" ><span>Open Access Wall of Fame</span></a></li><li class="dropdown clearfix"><a title="" class="s-lg-tab-top-link" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/oa" ><span>Open Access Publishing</span></a><a class="s-lg-tab-drop dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="javascript:void(0);" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"><span class="caret"></span><span class="sr-only">Toggle Dropdown</span></a><ul class="s-lg-subtab-ul dropdown-menu"><li class=""><a title="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/c.php?g=325807&p=2201039" style="" >Author Rights </a></li><li class=""><a title="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/selfarchive" style="" >Self-Archiving </a></li></ul></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/APCs" ><span>Article Processing Charge Discounts</span></a><ul class="s-lg-subtab-ul nav nav-pills nav-stacked"><li class=""><a title="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/APCsites" style="" >Useful APC Tools </a></li><li class="active"><a title="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/faq" style="" >Frequently Asked Questions </a></li></ul></li><li class=""><a title="" class="" href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/tips" ><span>Tips on Where to Publish</span></a></li> </ul> <div class="s-lg-row margin-top-med"><div id="s-lg-col-0"><div class="s-lg-col-boxes"></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-md-9"> <div class="s-lg-tab-content"> <div id="s-lg-guide-main" class="tab-pane active" tabindex="-1"> <div class="row s-lg-row"><div id="s-lg-col-1" class="col-md-12"><div class="s-lg-col-boxes"><div id="s-lg-box-wrapper-19921630" class="s-lg-box-wrapper-19921630"><div id="s-lg-box-16870794-container" class="s-lib-box-container"> <div id="s-lg-box-16870794" class="s-lib-box s-lib-box-std"> <h2 class="s-lib-box-title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2><div id="s-lg-box-collapse-16870794" > <div class="s-lib-box-content"> <div id="s-lg-content-37348172" class=" clearfix"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong><img alt="" loading="lazy" src="https://d1qywhc7l90rsa.cloudfront.net/accounts/157338/images/noun-ask-questions-3302691.png" style="float: right; width: 400px; height: 400px;" />What are APCs?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Article Processing Charges, or APCs, are fees paid by authors or institutions during the publication process that makes a paper Open Access. These vary between fields and titles, and range from no cost to many thousands of dollars. The result of these APCs, once paid, is that articles become freely available to anyone online. In some cases, researchers choose to build APCs into grant applications in anticipation of these fees.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Do I have to pay?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Paying an APC is optional, but if you choose to publish in a journal without using the APC pathway, your paper may be subject to restricted, paywalled access. </p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Can the library pay this fee for me? Are there grants available?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The library has <strong>no </strong>mechanism in place to fund APCs: any past instances of this service are examples of a discontinued program. The library has no granting power to manage APCs, but other institutional or external grants may be available on enquiry to your department. The library does, however, participate in several Transformative Agreements (see below) that can reduce the onus on the author.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>What is a Transformative Agreement?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Transformative Agreements are licenses between the library/institution and a publisher to fund APCs, either in full or at a discount. These agreements provides immediate Open Access publication using a Creative Commons license selected by the author. Alternately, you may find there are other Open Access pathways are available.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>What are Open Access pathways?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Many journals offer multiple options for Creative Commons licensing, and we advise you familiarise yourself with what journals in your field offer. If a journal offers an Open Access pathway, it may provide full access with a paid APC, but also provide options, including self-archiving (pre- and post-prints) with no fee. Check the self-archiving publisher conditions that are required as there may be embargo and citation requirements.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>How do I check if a journal is covered by a Transformative Agreement?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">TMU's Transformative Agreement subscriptions are listed in several locations. The <a href="https://www.crkn-rcdr.ca/en/crkn-negotiated-apc-discounts">Canadian Research and Knowledge Network</a> (CRKN) offers an up-to-date list of current affiliations: look for publishers and publications with TMU listed as a license participant. In addition, TMU's <a href="https://search.scifree.se/torontomu">SciFree</a> instance lists Open Access publications and their various pathways in a conveniently searchable format.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-778ccf1e-7fff-5645-6a51-b6cad71a2b32">I have chosen to take advantage of a TMU-affiliated Transformative Agreement. How do I activate it?</b></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Ensure that you submit your paper from your @torontomu.ca email address: in most cases the discount will be applied automatically.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b>I received an email: what Licence do I use? </b></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">When you receive your confirmation email, read it carefully to see what your next steps are. You will be asked to choose the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/">Creative Commons licence type</a> you wish to use, post-acceptance of your paper. </p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-778ccf1e-7fff-5645-6a51-b6cad71a2b32">Can I also Deposit in the Institutional Repository? </b></p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">In many cases, yes. Your publisher contract in subscription journals often allows the author to <a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/selfarchive">self archive</a> for free a version of their paper to <a href="https://rshare.library.torontomu.ca/">RShare</a>. It is recommended that you post your work to <a href="https://rshare.library.torontomu.ca/">RShare</a> when possible. Please reach out to the <a href="mailto:toby.malone@torontomu.ca">RShare team</a> for assistance in populating your page.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <ul id="s-lg-page-prevnext" class="pager s-lib-hide"><li class="previous"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/APCsites"><< <strong>Previous:</strong> Useful APC Tools</a></li><li class="next"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm/tips"><strong>Next:</strong> Tips on Where to Publish >></a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="s-lib-footer-public" class="s-lib-footer footer container s-lib-side-borders"> <div id="s-lg-guide-header-meta" class="pad-top-sm pad-left-med clearfix"> <ul id="s-lg-guide-header-attributes" class=""> <li id="s-lg-guide-header-updated" class="s-lg-h-separator"> <span class="s-lg-guide-label">Last Updated:</span> <span class="s-lg-text-greyout">Jan 8, 2025 12:38 PM</span> </li> <li id="s-lg-guide-header-url" class="s-lg-h-separator"> <span class="s-lg-guide-label">URL:</span> <span class="s-lg-text-greyout">https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/scholcomm</span> </li> <li id="s-lg-guide-print-url"> <a href="javascript: window.print();"><i class="fa fa-print" aria-hidden="true" title="Print Page"></i> Print Page</a> </li> </ul> <div id="s-lib-footer-login-link" class="pull-right pad-right-med"> <a href="https://ryerson.libapps.com/libapps/login.php?site_id=2734&target64=L2xpYmd1aWRlcy9hZG1pbl9jLnBocD9nPTMyNTgwNyZwPTUzNjEwOTE=">Login to LibApps</a> </div> </div> <div class="pad-bottom-sm clearfix"> <div id="s-lib-footer-support-link" class="pull-right pad-right-med"> <a href="mailto:refdesk@ryerson.ca">Report a problem</a> </div> <div id="s-lg-guide-header-subjects" class="pad-top-sm pad-left-med pad-right-med pull-left"> <span class="s-lg-guide-label">Subjects: </span><span class="s-lg-small bold"><a href="https://learn.library.torontomu.ca/sb.php?subject_id=132113">Library Help</a></span> </div> <div id="s-lg-guide-header-tags" class="pad-top-sm pad-left-med"> </div> </div> </div>  <div id="s-lib-scroll-top"> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="jQuery('body').focus();" title="Back to Top" aria-label="Back to Top"> <span class="fa-stack fa-lg" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa fa-square-o fa-stack-2x"></i> <i class="fa fa-angle-double-up fa-stack-1x" style="position:relative; bottom:2px;"></i> </span> </a> </div><div id="s-lib-alert" title=""> <div id="s-lib-alert-content"></div> </div>  <footer class="local-footer"><div class="container"><div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-3"><h3>Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries</h3><p><a href="http://www.ryerson.ca/maps/?building=LIB">Library Building</a><br/>350 Victoria Street 2nd Floor<br/><abbr title="Phone">P:</abbr>(416 979-5055)<br/>Fax: (416) 979-5215<br/>Email: <a href="mailto:refdesk@torontomu.ca">refdesk@torontomu.ca</a></p><ul class="social"> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/librarytmu" aria-label='Twitter Link'> <i class="fa-brands fa-x-twitter" title="Twitter" aria-hidden='true'></i></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/librarytorontomu" aria-label="Instagram"> <i class="fa-brands fa-instagram" title="Instagram" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ryersonlibrary" aria-label="You Tube Link"> <i class="fa-brands fa-youtube" title="YouTube" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li><a href="http://apps.library.ryerson.ca/api/merge/" aria-label="RSS Feed"> <i class="fa fa-rss" title="RSS feed" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> </ul></div><div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-3"><h4>Links</h4><nav class="local-footer-links"><ul class="menu"><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/services/disabilities/accessibility/">Accessibility Services</a></li><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/copyright">Copyright</a></li><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/info/about-us#contactus">Contact us</a></li><li><a href="https://library.torontomu.ca/siteindex">Site Index</a></li></ul></nav></div><div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6"><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Ryerson+University+Library+%26+Archives/@43.658187,-79.382865,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x882b34cab2a56619:0x67aab32eaa367e3b!8m2!3d43.658187!4d-79.380671"><img class="map" src="https://library.torontomu.ca/wp-content/uploads/staticmap.png" alt="Google map"/></a></div></div></div></footer><footer class="global-footer-top"><div class="container"><div class="row gft-top"><div class="col-xs-6 text-left"><a href="https://www.torontomu.ca"><strong>Toronto Metropolitan University</strong></a></div><div class="col-xs-6 text-right"><a class="collapse-toggle collapsed" href="#gft-collapse" data-toggle="collapse"></a></div></div><div class="collapse" id="gft-collapse"><div class="row gft-middle"><div class="col-xs-6 text-left">350 Victoria Street<br/>Toronto, ON M5B 2K3<br/><abbr title="Phone">P:</abbr>(416) 979-5000</div><div class="col-xs-6 text-right"><p>Follow TMU</p> <ul class="social"> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ryersonu" aria-label="Facebook Link"><i class="fa-brands fa-facebook-f" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/RyersonU" aria-label="Twitter Link"><i class="fa-brands fa-x-twitter" title="Twitter" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/RyersonUTube" aria-label="Youtube Link"><i class="fa-brands fa-youtube" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ryerson-university" aria-label="LinkedIn Link"><i class="fa-brands fa-linkedin" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> </ul></div><div class="col-xs-12"><div class="row gft-bottom"><div class="col-xs-6 text-left"><ul class="global-footer-links"><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/contact/">Directory</a></li><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/maps/">Maps and Directions</a></li></ul></div><div class="col-xs-6 text-right"><ul class="global-footer-links"><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/jobs/">Careers</a></li><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/media/">Media Room</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></footer><footer class="global-footer-bottom"><div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-xs-12"><ul class="global-footer-links"><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/privacy/">Privacy Policy</a></li><li><a href="https://torontomu.ca/accessibility/">Accessibility</a></li><li><a href="https://www.torontomu.ca/terms-conditions/">Terms & Conditions</a></li></ul></div></div></div></footer>   <script>(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-890753-17', 'auto'); ga('require', 'eventTracker', { events: ['click', 'auxclick', 'contextmenu'] }); ga('require', 'outboundLinkTracker', { events: ['click', 'auxclick', 'contextmenu'], linkSelector: 'a:not([ga-on])' }); ga('require', 'outboundFormTracker', { formSelector: '.outbound-track-submits' }); ga('send', 'pageview');</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//libapps-ca.s3.amazonaws.com/sites/2734/include/autotrack.js"></script>   <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-0MV2FTT3TB"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-0MV2FTT3TB'); </script></body></html>