MIT Ends Elsevier Negotiations (news.mit.edu)

Article summary

MIT has ended negotiations with Elsevier for a new journals contract, citing the publisher's inability to align with the MIT Framework for Publisher Contracts, which prioritizes open access principles. The framework aims to ensure that scholarly research outputs are openly and equitably available to the broadest possible audience. Over 100 institutions have endorsed the framework, recognizing its potential to advance open scholarship and the public good. MIT will continue to pursue new paths to achieving open access to knowledge.

Main themes

• open access
• academic publishing
• copyright regime
• institutional policies
• economic systems
• productivity and work
• social value and jobs

What commenters say

• MIT's decision to end negotiations with Elsevier is a significant step towards promoting open access to knowledge.
• The current copyright regime is too strict and hinders the progress of science.
• Aaron Swartz's case highlights the complexities of open access and the need for institutions to support individuals who challenge the status quo.
• The proliferation of 'bullshit jobs' is a result of a flawed economic system that prioritizes profit over social value.
• Institutions can manage self-contradictory rules, which can lead to inefficiencies and waste of resources.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the existence of many unnecessary jobs in the economy.
• Tying healthcare to employment is a significant obstacle to reducing working hours and increasing productivity gains for workers.