The Elsevier-CzechELib open access agreement represents a significant step forward in removing financial barriers for researchers in the Czech Republic. Signed in 2026, this five-year transformative deal allows eligible corresponding authors at participating institutions to publish open access in selected Elsevier hybrid journals without incurring article processing charges.

Background on Open Access Publishing in Research

Open access publishing enables research articles to be freely available online immediately upon publication, bypassing traditional paywalls. This model contrasts with subscription-based access where readers or institutions pay for journal access. Transformative agreements, also known as read and publish deals, combine reading access with open access publishing rights, helping institutions transition toward fully open models while managing costs. In the Czech Republic, CzechELib serves as the national consortium facilitating such agreements across multiple publishers.

Article processing charges, commonly known as APCs, typically range from several hundred to several thousand euros per article in hybrid journals that offer both subscription and open access options. These fees have historically posed challenges for researchers without dedicated funding, limiting the global reach of their work. The new agreement addresses this directly for Czech authors affiliated with eligible institutions.

Key Terms of the Five-Year Elsevier-CzechELib Deal

The agreement covers articles with an original acceptance date between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2030. Eligible corresponding authors can publish open access in participating hybrid journals without paying APCs, with the costs covered through institutional arrangements managed by CzechELib. The deal applies to a wide variety of Elsevier journals across disciplines, though it excludes fully gold open access titles and certain high-profile imprints like Cell Press and The Lancet in some cases.

Participating institutions receive a defined number of APC waivers or tokens each year. For example, Charles University has access to 148 tokens for 2026, while Masaryk University has 54 tokens available. These quotas ensure sustainable management of the agreement while prioritizing high-quality submissions. Authors should verify eligibility and quota status through their institutional library or the CzechELib portal.

How the Publishing Process Works Under the Agreement

Researchers follow a straightforward seven-step process. First, confirm affiliation with a participating CzechELib institution and select an eligible hybrid journal. Submit the manuscript using an institutional email address to facilitate validation. After acceptance, authors complete the post-acceptance journey in the submission system, confirming details and opting for open access under the agreement.

The institution then validates eligibility, and upon approval, authors and co-authors receive confirmation that the APC is covered. A Creative Commons license is typically applied, with options discussed during the process. This streamlined workflow minimizes administrative burden compared to individual APC payments or waivers.

Full details on eligible journals and institutions are available directly from Elsevier and CzechELib resources, including downloadable lists of participating titles and organizations.

Participating Institutions and Quota Management

The agreement supports corresponding authors affiliated with CzechELib member institutions across the Czech Republic. A comprehensive list of participating organizations is maintained and updated, often provided as an Excel file for easy reference. Major universities such as Charles University and Masaryk University feature prominently with allocated tokens.

Quota allocation varies by institution and is administered internally, often through library or research support offices. In cases where quotas are reached, authors may need to explore alternative funding or publishing options. This structure promotes equitable distribution while encouraging strategic use of the limited resources.

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Benefits for Czech Researchers and Institutions

By eliminating APC barriers, the agreement enhances the visibility and impact of Czech research. Open access articles on platforms like ScienceDirect reach broader audiences, including 20 million monthly unique visitors, accelerating citations and collaborations. Researchers gain compliance with growing funder requirements for open dissemination without personal financial strain.

Institutions benefit from simplified workflows and stronger alignment with national open science priorities. The deal supports wider dissemination of findings, potentially increasing international recognition for Czech scholarship in fields ranging from sciences to humanities.

Stakeholder Perspectives on the Agreement

Officials from both sides have highlighted the partnership's value. Petr Očko, Director of the National Library of Technology, noted that the agreement removes financial barriers while enabling publication in high-quality journals. Elsevier representatives emphasized the milestone in supporting the Czech research community and increasing the visibility of local work.

Jiří Jirát observed strong early interest from authors across institution types during the initial months. These views underscore a collaborative approach aimed at advancing open science without compromising journal quality or peer review standards.

Comparison with Other Transformative Agreements

CzechELib has previously established similar deals with publishers including Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and others, building experience in managing read and publish models. The Elsevier agreement marks the first with this major publisher for the consortium, expanding options for hybrid journal publishing.

Internationally, comparable deals exist, such as those negotiated by DEAL in Germany or the University of California system, typically spanning multiple years and covering thousands of journals. The Czech model incorporates token-based limits to ensure sustainability, a common feature in resource-conscious national consortia.

Challenges, Considerations, and Practical Advice

While transformative, the agreement operates within annual quotas, requiring researchers to plan submissions strategically. Authors should consult their library early to confirm eligibility and avoid last-minute issues. Not all article types qualify, and gold open access journals generally fall outside the scope.

Researchers are encouraged to use institutional email addresses during submission and review license options carefully. For those at institutions nearing quota limits, alternatives include diamond open access venues or seeking supplementary funding. The agreement complements rather than replaces broader open science strategies.

Future Outlook for Open Access in Czech Research

This five-year partnership positions Czech institutions well for ongoing transitions in scholarly publishing. As more publishers join similar frameworks, researchers can expect expanded choices and reduced barriers. Continued monitoring of quota usage and author feedback will inform potential renewals or adjustments beyond 2030.

The deal aligns with European and global trends toward open science, potentially boosting Czech contributions to international knowledge exchange. Institutions and researchers alike stand to gain from increased accessibility and impact of their outputs.

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Resources for Researchers Interested in Participating

Eligible authors can begin by visiting the official Elsevier agreement page for step-by-step guidance and journal lists. The CzechELib website provides Czech-language instructions, token status checks, and participating institution details. Institutional libraries remain the primary point of contact for personalized support and quota inquiries.

Early adopters have reported smooth processes, with interest building steadily since implementation. Staying informed through library newsletters or consortium updates helps maximize the benefits of this initiative.