Making a difference: implementing the eprints mandate at QUT

What is it about?

In 2003, QUT was the first institution in the world to implement a university-wide policy which made it mandatory for staff to provide the institutional repository (QUT ePrints) with an open access copy of all new peer reviewed publications. This articles describes the strategies which led to the endorsement of the policy by administrators and engagement with the practice by the QUT community of researchers.

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Why is it important?

As a result of the mandate, QUT has been able achieve a level of engagement with open access much greater than universities without a mandate. The 33,000+ open access articles in QUT ePrints have increased the visibility, access and impact of QWUT's research. The strategies outlined in the article may help other universities achieve a similar outcome.