OA publishing in the repository for publications

The University of Innsbruck maintains a non-commercial institutional repository for publications, enabling its members to publish their own work via open access. This service complements traditional publishing methods by providing an alternative publication pathway.

Primarily, the institutional repository supports the self-archiving of scholarly publications that have been published in print or subscription-based journals. This form of secondary publication (Zweitveröffentlichung), or “self-archiving” is also known as the “green route” to open access (green open access).

Additionally, articles and monographs initially published as gold open access can also be uploaded to the repository. For certain funding organisations (e.g., within the framework of EU or FWF projects), depositing gold open access publications in institutional or subject-specific repositories is a mandatory requirement (see further details about Plan S here)

The repository also allows university members to publish grey literature — academic outputs without a formal publisher — in compliance with copyright regulations (e.g., working papers). Before proceeding, please verify whether an entry in the FLD (e.g., as an electronic publication) is possible and/or consult the Open Access Contact Point for guidance.

For researchers

We encourage all researchers at the University of Innsbruck to upload their publications to the university's institutional repository. This repository serves not only as a “virtual showcase” of the University of Innsbruck’s scientific achievements but is also integrated with international search systems and open access platforms such as BASE and OpenAIRE, significantly enhancing the visibility of these publications. Furthermore, all publications are linked to the FLD/RDD (Research Documentation Database) as well as to the corresponding departments and research platforms. Green open access publications are recognised as open access in the RDD and are included in evaluations for the intellectual capital report.

To deposit a publication in the university's repository, simply upload the PDF file while entering the metadata into the Research Documentation Database (Forschungsleistungsdokumentation). This can be accessed by logging into VIS under “Personal Data” => “My Research,” where you can switch the interface to English if needed.

Handbook on “My Research” and instructions for the upload of scientific publications (from p.11)

If uploading via an FLD entry is not possible, please reach out to the Open Access Contact Point for assistance.

The University of Innsbruck expressly encourages the upload of habilitation theses to the repository in alignment with its Open Access Policy. For guidance on uploading or questions regarding the legal aspects of electronically publishing a habilitation thesis, please contact the Open Access Contact Point.

Further information can be found in the information sheet on the electronic publication of habilitation theses.

What to consider before uploading

Some publishers permit self-archiving in an institutional repository, but the terms of the copyright agreement between the authors and the publisher must be adhered to.

The legal framework for self-archiving can be found in publishing contracts, and publishers' guidelines on this topic are available in the Jisc Open Policy Finder database.

Publishers typically differentiate between preprints, postprints, and the publisher’s version (final PDF). When re-publishing their work in a repository, authors must ensure they are uploading the version allowed by the publisher.

A preprint or submitted version refers to the manuscript submitted to a journal for publication but not yet peer-reviewed or accepted.
A postprint or accepted version is the version of the manuscript that has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication. It contains the same content as the publisher’s version (version of record) but can differ in formatting. Additionally, it has not undergone final proofing (e.g., galley proof approval), so it may contain typographical errors or formatting inconsistencies compared to the publisher's version.

Some publishers impose embargo periods during which articles cannot be uploaded to repositories. These periods, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months, are also listed in the Open Policy Finder database.

Ideally, authors should secure the right to self-archive when negotiating publishing contracts. For future agreements, it is advisable to grant publishers only “simple rights of exploitation” for electronic publishing, ensuring the right to simultaneously publish the work in the University of Innsbruck's repository.

For already published works, authors may retroactively seek the publisher’s permission to self-archive the publication in a repository.

Further information can be found in the FAQ, which also addresses related topics, such as uploading publications to scholarly collaboration platforms like ResearchGate.

Overview of funded open access articles in the repository

Open access publications that are (co-)financed by the publishing fund of the University of Innsbruck or by agreements between publishers and the University and State Library of Tyrol will be uploaded to the repository. This not only provides an overview of how many publications have been funded, but further ensures their visibility and archiving.

Open access publications that are (co-)funded by the University of Innsbruck’s publishing fund or through agreements between publishers and the University and State Library of Tyrol are uploaded to the repository. This process not only offers a clear overview of the number of funded publications but also enhances their visibility and ensures their permanent accessibility.

For a detailed overview of funded publications, please refer to the following links:

What to consider before submitting the thesis

If your thesis includes sections (e.g., articles) that have already been published, are under review, or are intended for future submission, it is essential to consider the terms set by the respective journals or publishers as well as obtain consent from your co-authors.
For unpublished parts of your thesis, please ensure that publishing them in the repository of the University of Innsbruck does not conflict with potential future publication opportunities, such as in academic journals.

The legal framework for self-archiving can be found in publishing contracts, and publishers' guidelines on this topic are available in the Jisc Open Policy Finder database.

Publishers typically differentiate between preprints, postprints, and the publisher’s version (final PDF). When re-publishing their work in a repository, authors must ensure they are uploading the version allowed by the publisher.

Some publishers impose embargo periods during which articles cannot be uploaded to repositories. These periods, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months, are also listed in the Open Policy Finder database.

If legal restrictions prevent the electronic publication of already published articles, even after an embargo period, these articles may be omitted in accordance with §27 (2) of the “Study Law Regulations” and replaced with links to the published versions. In such cases, the full version of the thesis must still be submitted to the examination office in both electronic and printed format — two printed copies are required for dissertations.

Further details and exceptions can be found on the Examination Office information website and in the"Guideline for partial publication of scientific papers in electronic form according to § 27 para. 2 of the "Study Law Regulations" part of the Statutes of the University of Innsbruck".

DOI service of the University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck grants DOIs for digital objects that are published and/or stored by platform operators of the University of Innsbruck. Upon request, DOIs can also be obtained for objects published in the repository for publications ULB : Dok. The DOI is then assigned in addition to the URN. Further information is available on the website of the University and State Library of Tyrol.

Open Access Contact Point

University and State Library of Tyrol

Mirjam El Attal, MA (DW 25401)
Dr. Barbara Laner (on leave)
Lisa Hofer

Tel.: +43 (0)512 507 - 25073
E-mail: open-access@uibk.ac.at

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