International Science Organization Makes Research More Accessible To The Public

American Geophysical Union to Give Free Access to Journal Content through Public Libraries in Calif.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and Wiley have announced that starting in January 2015 they will offer free online access to all AGU journal content (published from 1997 forward) in public libraries throughout California for onsite use. In addition, schools and programs that participate in AGU's Bright Students Training as Research Scientists (Bright STaRS) program—which brings middle and high school students from after-school and summer research program to the annual AGU Fall Meeting to present their research alongside the leaders of the Earth and space sciences—will be given free access. By expanding public access to this groundbreaking Earth and space science research, AGU hopes to help improve public understanding of the impact science has on the world around them and its potential to help ensure a sustainable future for us all.

"As a leader in the scientific community, the American Geophysical Union has a responsibility to advance our science and support the execution of high-quality research. However, we have an equally important responsibility to share the knowledge we gain as widely as possible so that it can be of the greatest benefit to society. I'm excited to say that this new program represents an important next step in our commitment to find new and innovative ways to improve access to our content," said AGU executive director/CEO Christine McEntee.

This new development marks the latest innovation in AGU's publishing strategy. Earlier in 2014, AGU announced that it would offer free access to all journal content from 1997 forward on a 24-month rolling embargo, and it has three fully open access journals – JAMES, Earth's Future, and Earth and Space Science, which recently published its first articles. AGU also participates in Wiley's Research4Life program, which enables more than 5,000 institutions in developing nations to freely access journal content, and it offers green open access after six months, which allows authors to place a copy of their article in an institutional repository.

"As AGU's publishing partner, we are proud to support AGU's Science & Society mission to increase awareness of the importance of Earth and space science issues through this initiative.  Our hope is that the California public libraries will benefit from this enhancement to their services, encouraging more customers to visit their local library" said Colette E. Bean, VP & Publishing Director, Global Research, Wiley.

Public libraries in California interested in participating in this new program should contact [email protected].

About AGU

The American Geophysical Union is dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. AGU is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization representing more than 60,000 members in 140 countries. Join our conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media channels.

About Wiley

Wiley is a global provider of knowledge and knowledge-enabled services that improve outcomes in areas of research, professional practice, and education. Through the Research segment, the Company provides digital and print scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising. The Professional Development segment provides digital and print books, online assessment and training services, and test prep and certification. In Education, Wiley provides education solutions including online program management services for higher education institutions and course management tools for instructors and students, as well as print and digital content.

SOURCE American Geophysical Union