Open Access gains traction in theology—alongside enduring traditions. While open publication formats are increasingly relevant, the field remains shaped by traditional publishing models, the legacy of print publications, and the diversity of confessional and disciplinary perspectives. The new thematic page, Open Access in Theology, explores these unique challenges and opportunities, offering guidance for researchers, librarians, and anyone navigating open scholarly communication in theology. The page provides essential orientation—covering foundational information, discipline-specific resources, and key literature—amid a complex and evolving publishing landscape. The content is authored by Dominik Baumgartner (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg).
Publication paths, funding models, and services for theologians
The thematic page maps out Open Access journals, monographs, and disciplinary repositories, while introducing diverse publishing models—including Diamond Open Access, where neither readers nor authors face fees. It also addresses challenges, such as publication costs, the reputation system, and the financing of books in an Open Access context. Additionally, the page highlights practical offers for theologians, with supplementary links to Open Science projects, digital encyclopedias, and Open Educational Resources (OER).
Further information
- The discipline-specific page Open Access in theology is available here: https://open-access.network/en/information/discipline-specific-open-access/theology
- The overview to all discipline-specific pages on open-access.network: https://open-access.network/en/information/discipline-specific-open-access
- The website of the specialized information service in theology – Fachinformationsdienst Theologie [FID]: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/facilities/university-library/about-us/library-holdings/specialized-information-services/theology/