SPARC
@sparcopen.bsky.social
SPARC is a nonprofit advocacy organization that supports open systems for research and education that enable everyone, everywhere to access, contribute to, and benefit from the knowledge that shapes our world.
Due to the severe weather conditions affecting much of the East Coast, we are postponing today’s scheduled USRN Community Call. Our priority is everyone’s safety & ability to participate fully. We hope to reschedule for Mon., Feb. 2 @ 12pm ET. Stay tuned for more info!
January 26, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Due to the severe weather conditions affecting much of the East Coast, we are postponing today’s scheduled USRN Community Call. Our priority is everyone’s safety & ability to participate fully. We hope to reschedule for Mon., Feb. 2 @ 12pm ET. Stay tuned for more info!
Learn how to advocate for change with state policy recommendations in our #OER Policy Playbook. Working together to advance #OpenEd #OpenEducation! sparcopen.org/our-work/oer...
OER State Policy Playbook - SPARC
sparcopen.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Learn how to advocate for change with state policy recommendations in our #OER Policy Playbook. Working together to advance #OpenEd #OpenEducation! sparcopen.org/our-work/oer...
In case you missed it, @orfg.bsky.social weighed in on the request from the National Institutes of Health for Information on Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable Publishing Costs. Click for details: www.orfg.org/news/2025/12...
ORFG Submits Comments to NIH on Allowable Costs — Open Research Funders Group
In September 2025 several ORFG member organizations signed a joint letter in response to the National Institutes of Health’s Request for Information on Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable...
www.orfg.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:25 PM
In case you missed it, @orfg.bsky.social weighed in on the request from the National Institutes of Health for Information on Maximizing Research Funds by Limiting Allowable Publishing Costs. Click for details: www.orfg.org/news/2025/12...
All are welcome to join the free US Repository Network community conversation on Mon, Jan. 26 @ 12pm ET. An expert panel will discuss how institutional & data repositories are preparing digital content to meet ADA accessibility requirements. Register now: sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
January 21, 2026 at 1:32 PM
All are welcome to join the free US Repository Network community conversation on Mon, Jan. 26 @ 12pm ET. An expert panel will discuss how institutional & data repositories are preparing digital content to meet ADA accessibility requirements. Register now: sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Discover what's happening on campuses with automatic textbook billing (inclusive access). SPARC has collected 250 contracts from 122 institutions in 38 states. Read the fine print in our Textbook Billing Contract Library here: sparcopen.org/our-work/aut... www.inclusiveaccess.org
InclusiveAccess.org – The Facts on Affordable Access Textbooks
Inclusive Access and Affordable Access programs add the cost of textbooks into college tuition and fees. Do the advertised benefits outweigh the costs and challenges? Get the facts.
www.inclusiveaccess.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Discover what's happening on campuses with automatic textbook billing (inclusive access). SPARC has collected 250 contracts from 122 institutions in 38 states. Read the fine print in our Textbook Billing Contract Library here: sparcopen.org/our-work/aut... www.inclusiveaccess.org
Making sure researchers have access to the research they need is a critical function of the library - and that doesn’t change after renegotiating a big deal. We have tips & examples on how to provide alternative access & save your campus $$$. sparcopen.org/our-work/neg...
Recommendations for Providing Alternative Access After a Big Deal Cancellation - SPARC
sparcopen.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Making sure researchers have access to the research they need is a critical function of the library - and that doesn’t change after renegotiating a big deal. We have tips & examples on how to provide alternative access & save your campus $$$. sparcopen.org/our-work/neg...
Open Educational Resources has increasingly become a go-to strategy for legislators seeking to make college education more affordable. Follow the latest in #OpenEducation legislation with our #OER State Policy Tracker sparcopen.org/our-work/sta...
OER State Policy Tracker - SPARC
Stay up to date on OER policy in your state with SPARC's tracker, updated weekly. Also be sure to check out our State Policy Playbook!
sparcopen.org
January 15, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Open Educational Resources has increasingly become a go-to strategy for legislators seeking to make college education more affordable. Follow the latest in #OpenEducation legislation with our #OER State Policy Tracker sparcopen.org/our-work/sta...
We've updated our publication & data sharing policy resources with new analysis for Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Community Living (ACL), Census Bureau, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), USGS & NSF. Click here for more:
researchsharing.sparcopen.org
researchsharing.sparcopen.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:38 PM
We've updated our publication & data sharing policy resources with new analysis for Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Community Living (ACL), Census Bureau, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), USGS & NSF. Click here for more:
researchsharing.sparcopen.org
researchsharing.sparcopen.org
Join us Jan. 14 @ at 2pm ET for a webcast on public access & publisher policies. A panel of SPARC members (Danielle Steinhart, Penn State; Jen Beamer, CSUSB; Josh Bolick, KU; & Katie Funk, Wash U) will share their experiences supporting authors. Register here: sparcopen-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Supporting Authors Complying with Federal Funder Public Access and Publisher Policies. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joinin...
Please join us on January 14th at 2pm ET/11am PT for a webcast focused on Supporting Authors Complying with Federal Funder Public Access and Publisher Policies. SPARC will provide a brief overview of ...
sparcopen-org.zoom.us
January 13, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Join us Jan. 14 @ at 2pm ET for a webcast on public access & publisher policies. A panel of SPARC members (Danielle Steinhart, Penn State; Jen Beamer, CSUSB; Josh Bolick, KU; & Katie Funk, Wash U) will share their experiences supporting authors. Register here: sparcopen-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by SPARC
✨ 2025 in Review: Advancing Open Research Information as a Community
In 2025, the Declaration continued to grow as a community-driven initiative, advancing concrete work to improve the openness, transparency, and community governance of research information; with more to come in 2026 🔽
In 2025, the Declaration continued to grow as a community-driven initiative, advancing concrete work to improve the openness, transparency, and community governance of research information; with more to come in 2026 🔽
January 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM
✨ 2025 in Review: Advancing Open Research Information as a Community
In 2025, the Declaration continued to grow as a community-driven initiative, advancing concrete work to improve the openness, transparency, and community governance of research information; with more to come in 2026 🔽
In 2025, the Declaration continued to grow as a community-driven initiative, advancing concrete work to improve the openness, transparency, and community governance of research information; with more to come in 2026 🔽
If you missed our recent webcasts, no worries. We have recordings archived for viewing at your convenience. Look up our programs on privacy & digital learning materials, persistent identifiers #PIDs, navigating #publicaccess funder mandates, the basics of #OER, #OpenAccess & more here:
SPARC Webinar Recordings - SPARC
sparcopen.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:43 PM
If you missed our recent webcasts, no worries. We have recordings archived for viewing at your convenience. Look up our programs on privacy & digital learning materials, persistent identifiers #PIDs, navigating #publicaccess funder mandates, the basics of #OER, #OpenAccess & more here:
Read the latest white paper in the Legal Pathways to #OpenAccess project on federal grants & IP policies - a collaboration w/ SPARC & @authorsalliance.bsky.social Alliance. sparcopen.org/news/2025/au...
Authors Alliance and SPARC Release Third “Legal Pathways to Open Access” White Paper on Federal Grants and Institutional IP Policies - SPARC
sparcopen.org
January 9, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Read the latest white paper in the Legal Pathways to #OpenAccess project on federal grants & IP policies - a collaboration w/ SPARC & @authorsalliance.bsky.social Alliance. sparcopen.org/news/2025/au...
Scientific findings will be shared with the public sooner in 2026, thanks to funders including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute @hhmi-science.bsky.social. HHMI's Immediate Access to Research Policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Details here: hhmicdn.blob.core.windows.net/policies/Imm...
January 8, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Scientific findings will be shared with the public sooner in 2026, thanks to funders including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute @hhmi-science.bsky.social. HHMI's Immediate Access to Research Policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Details here: hhmicdn.blob.core.windows.net/policies/Imm...
Have questions about new requirements for authors in response to the 2022 OSTP Nelson memo? We have answers! Check out our free guide to navigate policies and fees before making the decision about where to publish. sparcopen.org/our-work/gui...
Guide for Authors Complying with U.S. Federal Agency Public Access and Publisher Policies - SPARC
sparcopen.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Have questions about new requirements for authors in response to the 2022 OSTP Nelson memo? We have answers! Check out our free guide to navigate policies and fees before making the decision about where to publish. sparcopen.org/our-work/gui...
Thanks to our 250 member libraries & academic organizations across North America - & our affiliated SPARC coalitions around the world. Together, we are driving policy change & advancing knowledge as a public good. #OpenAccess #OpenScience #OpenData #OER #OpenScholarship
sparcopen.org/2025-outcomes/
sparcopen.org/2025-outcomes/
2025 Outcomes - SPARC
sparcopen.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Thanks to our 250 member libraries & academic organizations across North America - & our affiliated SPARC coalitions around the world. Together, we are driving policy change & advancing knowledge as a public good. #OpenAccess #OpenScience #OpenData #OER #OpenScholarship
sparcopen.org/2025-outcomes/
sparcopen.org/2025-outcomes/
Hats off to the some of the team behind #OpenEd25: Hailey Babb, Christina Riehman-Murphy, Ash Barber, Nicholas Swails, Rosario Rogel-Salazar, Nicole Allen, Pranjal Saloni, Amanda Larson, Aishah Abdullah, Gabby Hernandez & Annika Many. Go to openeducationconference.org for more on #OpenEd26!
December 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Hats off to the some of the team behind #OpenEd25: Hailey Babb, Christina Riehman-Murphy, Ash Barber, Nicholas Swails, Rosario Rogel-Salazar, Nicole Allen, Pranjal Saloni, Amanda Larson, Aishah Abdullah, Gabby Hernandez & Annika Many. Go to openeducationconference.org for more on #OpenEd26!
If your library is considering ending a big deal, we have resources to help. See how others have handled communications, alternative access & saved $$$. See our profiles of Bucknell, East Carolina, FL State, Iowa State, UConn, UVM, Université de Montréal & MIT: sparcopen.org/our-work/big...
Unbundling Profiles - SPARC
sparcopen.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:28 PM
If your library is considering ending a big deal, we have resources to help. See how others have handled communications, alternative access & saved $$$. See our profiles of Bucknell, East Carolina, FL State, Iowa State, UConn, UVM, Université de Montréal & MIT: sparcopen.org/our-work/big...
ICYMI: Our 3rd paper with authorsalliance.bsky.social in the joint Legal Pathways to #OpenAccess project is out. sparcopen.org/news/2025/au...
Authors Alliance and SPARC Release Third “Legal Pathways to Open Access” White Paper on Federal Grants and Institutional IP Policies - SPARC
sparcopen.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:56 PM
ICYMI: Our 3rd paper with authorsalliance.bsky.social in the joint Legal Pathways to #OpenAccess project is out. sparcopen.org/news/2025/au...
Prior to applying for federal funding, it's helpful to understand the expectations around depositing manuscripts into agency designated repositories. Details on that & more in our new resource to help authors navigate #publicaccess requirements & publisher policies: sparcopen.org/our-work/gui...
Guide for Authors Complying with U.S. Federal Agency Public Access and Publisher Policies - SPARC
sparcopen.org
December 16, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Prior to applying for federal funding, it's helpful to understand the expectations around depositing manuscripts into agency designated repositories. Details on that & more in our new resource to help authors navigate #publicaccess requirements & publisher policies: sparcopen.org/our-work/gui...
Fascinating read about 20+ years of work leading up to the 2022 OSTP Nelson memo, ensuring taxpayer-funded research is immediately available to the public to freely access & fully use. Includes mention of SPARC's advocacy in #PublicAccess #OpenAccess #OpenScience.
academic.oup.com/spp/advance-...
academic.oup.com/spp/advance-...
The promise of public access: a recent history
Abstract. Public access ensures that publications from government-funded research are accessible to taxpayers through official channels. Between 2004 and 2
academic.oup.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Fascinating read about 20+ years of work leading up to the 2022 OSTP Nelson memo, ensuring taxpayer-funded research is immediately available to the public to freely access & fully use. Includes mention of SPARC's advocacy in #PublicAccess #OpenAccess #OpenScience.
academic.oup.com/spp/advance-...
academic.oup.com/spp/advance-...
Colorado is a leader in supporting #OER! We highlighted the state's impressive #OpenEducation landscape in our impact story: sparcopen.org/impact-story.... More funding was just announced to expand #OpenEd, making #highered more affordable & accessible: governorsoffice.colorado.gov/governor/new...
Colorado’s Continued Commitment to OER Benefits Students Statewide - SPARC
sparcopen.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Colorado is a leader in supporting #OER! We highlighted the state's impressive #OpenEducation landscape in our impact story: sparcopen.org/impact-story.... More funding was just announced to expand #OpenEd, making #highered more affordable & accessible: governorsoffice.colorado.gov/governor/new...
Greetings from the SPARC Steering Committee & SPARC team, together IRL for our annual meeting! We extended a warm welcome to those new to the committee & a fond farewell to our departing members. We are so thankful for their guidance, expertise & time. sparcopen.org/people/#steer
December 11, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Greetings from the SPARC Steering Committee & SPARC team, together IRL for our annual meeting! We extended a warm welcome to those new to the committee & a fond farewell to our departing members. We are so thankful for their guidance, expertise & time. sparcopen.org/people/#steer
It was our honor & pleasure to end 2025 together w/ SPARC members in DC today. The support you’ve shown to one another & our team has sustained us in this challenging year. We've all come out stronger & are committed to continuing our work to advance open practices & be catalysts for change in 2026!
December 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
It was our honor & pleasure to end 2025 together w/ SPARC members in DC today. The support you’ve shown to one another & our team has sustained us in this challenging year. We've all come out stronger & are committed to continuing our work to advance open practices & be catalysts for change in 2026!