Open Access refers to the goal of making knowledge and information available digitally via the internet without financial, legal, or technical barriers (Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, 2003).[1]
The publishing house of Graz University of Technology (Verlag der Technischen Universität Graz) is a strong supporter of the Open Access principle and therefore makes a large proportion of its publications available in freely accessible, cost-free online versions. In this way, unrestricted access to scholarly literature is ensured for both the academic community and the general public. A number of the publisher’s publications are released under the Diamond Open Access model.
All publications of the publishing house are issued under science-friendly Creative Commons licences. These licences provide authors and editors with a standardised legal framework that allows for transparent and reliable use of copyrighted works, while offering users clarity regarding the scope and conditions under which content may be reused.[2]
Researchers benefit from Open Access through increased visibility and improved discoverability of their publications in search engines and academic databases. At the same time, immediate and worldwide access fosters rapid communication and discussion of research results, thereby strengthening national, international, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, readers gain free and unrestricted access to scholarly literature and publicly funded research results, making Open Access a significant contribution to knowledge transfer.[3]
In order to ensure the highest quality standards in Open Access publishing as well, the publishing house works closely with other university presses in the German-speaking region. Since 2008, it has been a member of the AG Universitätsverlage, committing itself to the promotion of Open Access publications and to the implementation of measures that sustainably safeguard the scholarly and formal quality of academic publications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Open Access?
Open Access refers to the free and unrestricted provision of scholarly publications on the internet. Its aim is to make research results accessible without financial, legal, or technical barriers.
What are the differences between Diamond, Gold, Hybrid, and Green Open Access?
Diamond Open Access means that publications are made freely available without a commercial background, and that authors or editors do not have to pay publication fees; funding is provided by grants or institutions. Gold Open Access refers to a model in which the publisher makes the publication available online in an open-access version (first publication), usually involving publication fees for authors or editors. Hybrid Open Access describes models in which individual articles in otherwise subscription-based journals are made freely accessible in return for a fee. Green Open Access refers to the secondary publication of an already published work in a repository, typically after an embargo period and in compliance with the publisher’s policies.
Why should I publish Open Access?
Open Access increases the discoverability and visibility of scholarly work in search engines and databases, facilitates low-threshold communication of research results, and thereby promotes national, international, and interdisciplinary exchange. At the same time, readers are granted free and legally secure access to scholarly publications and publicly funded research results, which supports knowledge transfer.
Can I publish print editions with the publishing house of Graz University of Technology in addition to Open Access?
Yes. Providing a freely accessible digital Open Access format does not preclude the simultaneous publication of a print edition. Print editions constitute a complementary offering of the publishing house, and we will be happy to advise you accordingly.
Which Creative Commons licence should I choose for my publication?
The publishing house generally recommends using the most open Creative Commons licences possible, in particular CC BY and CC BY-SA, as these allow for the greatest possible use and reuse. However, the appropriate licence in each individual case depends on the type of publication, disciplinary conventions, and funding requirements. The publishing house will be happy to assist you in selecting the appropriate licence.
Is my Open Access publication funded by Graz University of Technology?
At present, there is no dedicated funding scheme for Open Access books provided by Graz University of Technology. For Open Access journal articles, an Open Access publication fund has been established. In addition, funding opportunities from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the European Union are available for Open Access journal articles. Further details can be found on the Open Access service page of Graz University of Technology: https://www.tugraz.at/en/sites/openaccess/funding/funding-for-open-access-publishing-by-tu-graz.
May I republish my Open Access publication that has already been published by the publishing house of Graz University of Technology?
Yes. Open Access publication by the publishing house is based on a non-exclusive right of use. Copyright and exploitation rights remain with the authors or editors; therefore, (commercial) secondary publication is possible.
May I upload my Open Access publication to the institutional repository of Graz University of Technology?
Yes. Secondary publication of an Open Access publication published by the publishing house in the institutional repository is permitted. Please note, however, that the publishing house also hosts the online version of your publication via the repository of Graz University of Technology.
May I upload my Open Access publication to platforms such as Academia.edu, ResearchGate, or Zenodo?
As our publishing agreements include non-exclusive rights of use and do not exclude secondary publication, this is generally possible, provided that the Creative Commons licence you have chosen permits it. Please note that some commercial platforms, such as Academia.edu or ResearchGate, are not considered repositories within the meaning of Open Access policies, and that certain Creative Commons licences (CC BY-NC, CC BY-NC-ND, CC BY-NC-SA) exclude commercial reuse, including on such platforms. Zenodo, by contrast, is a repository within the meaning of Open Access policies, for example. If you are unsure, the publishing house will be happy to advise you.
Whom can I contact if I have questions or require clarification?
The publishing house will be pleased to advise you on your Open Access publication in a personal consultation, by telephone, or by email. Further information on Open Access can also be found on the Open Access service page of Graz University of Technology: https://www.tugraz.at/en/sites/openaccess/home. For legal questions, please contact the Legal Affairs Department of Graz University of Technology: https://www.tugraz.at/en/tu-graz/organisational-structure/service-departments-and-staff-units/legal-matters-insurance-management.
Links
Website of the AG Universitätsverlage
Website of the open-access.network association
Information on Creative Commons licences
Service page on Open Access at Graz University of Technology
[1] Max Planck Society (ed.), Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, 2003, https://openaccess.mpg.de/Berlin-Declaration.
[2] Creative Commons (ed.), About CC Licenses, 2019, https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/.
[3] Graz University of Technology (ed.), What is Open Access?, 2025, https://www.tugraz.at/en/sites/openaccess/open-access/about-open-access.
