NEWS

Knowledge Unlatched announces 2024 pledging for libraries

Knowledge Unlatched (KU), the international initiative for Open Access (OA), has announced the launch of its 11th round of funding, which has supported the publication of nearly 5,000 scholarly books and some 60 journals through Diamond OA initiatives since 2013.

In 2024, KU continues its thematic approach to pledging, enabling libraries to support collections focused on specific subjects—such as gender and sexuality studies, anthropology, politics, and pedagogy, among many others. KU’s multi-disciplinary collection, KU Select, is once again fully aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It includes seven sub-collections focused on specific SDGs, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). This strategic alignment allows libraries to invest in OA scholarly content that impacts society and the planet.

Responding to strong interest and positive feedback from librarians on KU’s Focus Collections, KU is also introducing four new packages this year that address pressing topics: Global Warming and Responses; Economics: Sustainability, and Circularity; Public Opinion and Elections; and Regional Studies: Conflict, War, and Peace.

“Our library partners are looking for up to date content that helps scholars address the most pressing topics today,” says Dr. Sven Fund, Wiley Senior Director. “With our Focus Collections and an alignment with the SDGs, we serve this need. KU has always been an innovator, and we are grateful for publishers and libraries supporting us on this journey.”

KU’s collections serve as a testament to KU’s partnerships with established publishers, including, among others, Routledge, Berghahn, EDP Sciences, HAU Books, IWAP, Luminos by the University of California Press, Language Science Press, CRC Press, and wbv Media.

Libraries interested in supporting this year’s OA offerings can pledge their support until December 6, 2024.

For more information about 2024 pledging and collections, please visit KU’s website at www.knowledgeunlatched.org or download the 2024 brochure.