Reference:
Smith, R. (2018). The business of academic publishing: “a catastrophe”. The Lancet, 392, 1186-1187. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32489-3
Summary:
The documentary Paywall: The Business of Scholarship critiques the profit-driven nature of academic publishing, highlighting that publishers earn exorbitant profit margins by capitalising on free academic content. Interviews with nearly 70 academics reveal a consensus that the system is severely flawed, with Elsevier identified as the primary antagonist. The film underscores how the current model restricts access to vital research, thereby hindering progress in addressing societal challenges like climate change and health crises. It illustrates the struggles of academics worldwide, particularly in low-income regions, who face significant barriers to accessing essential scholarly work. While some voices defend the publishers, most interviewees advocate for reform, promoting open access as a solution to enhance equity and innovation in research. Despite its critical message, the film’s effectiveness in engaging a broader audience is questioned, raising concerns about the academic community’s awareness of the publishing industry’s financial dynamics and its implications for research accessibility.