Event

The Higher Education landscape in the UK is facing unparalleled financial challenge, forcing many institutions to radically review their budgets and make difficult decisions around many of their eResource agreements. Amongst some of the most expensive subscriptions are the ‘big’ read and publish agreements which were intended to be transitional, allowing institutions to publish openly across many prestigious publications. However, dissatisfaction with high costs and lengthy embargo periods has led to many institutions reviewing whether these agreements can be sustainable in the current financial context.

With several of the biggest agreements due to end in December 2025, Jisc, in consultation with the sector, have established the Next Generation OA strategy, and have tentatively begun negotiations with the ‘Big 5’, to drive down costs and speed up the move to Open.

Sherif would like to invite you to join us at our next event and AGM, which will explore these themes with contributions from Sarah Roughley Barake (Jisc), Paul Brabban (Sconul / University of Coventry), Anna Clements (University of Sheffield), and Paul Cavanagh and Lucy Veasey (University of Nottingham). Join us as we explore what the future may hold for the sector and discuss the strategies and impact of walking away from ‘Big Deals’.

Book now to secure your place today. Free entry for delegates from member institutions or £80 per person for non-members. To see if your institution is a member and check membership rates, please see the membership page on the website.

Programme Schedule

• 13:00 - 13.10   Welcome and AGM
• 13:10 - 13:15   sherif prize winner
• 13:15 - 13:40   Sarah Roughley Barake (JISC)
• 13:40 - 14:00   Phil Brabban (SCONUL/University of Coventry)
• 14:00 – 14:20   Break
• 14:20 – 14:45   Paul Cavanagh and Lucy Veasey (University of Nottingham)
• 14:45 – 15:05   Anna Clements (University of Sheffield)
• 15:05 – 15:45   Plenary session
• 15:45               Finish and close