Subscribe to Open
Subscribe to Open (S2O) is currently being run as a pilot program that enables journals to become open access through existing library subscriptions.
For libraries, this means continuing familiar subscription and procurement processes while helping participating journals publish new volumes open access—without introducing new workflows or charging authors article processing charges (APCs).
Participating journals publish open access when sufficient subscription support is maintained each year.
How it works
Libraries renew their journal subscriptions through their usual procurement processes.
We assess whether each participating journal has received sufficient subscription support for the year.
If the subscription support threshold is reached, that year’s volume is published open access.
If the threshold is not met, the following year’s volume remains subscription based.
This approach builds on existing acquisition workflows while enabling open access through collective institutional support.
What this means for authors and readers
No APCs for authors: Authors can publish open access without paying article processing charges.
Open access for all content: When a journal publishes open access under S2O, all content types, including articles, reviews, book reviews, letters, and opinions, are made freely available.
Support for underfunded disciplines: The model is particularly suited to the social sciences and humanities, where open access funding is often limited.
Why we introduced this model
Many journals, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, operate in areas where funding for APCs can be limited. This pilot explores how existing subscription processes can support open access in a sustainable and predictable way.
This approach is designed to:
Make open access possible through collective institutional support
Maintain familiar workflows for libraries
Offer a long-term option for journals where other business models are less effective
Current Subscribe to Open journals
The current pilot includes three journals:
Technical Service Quarterly
Legal Reference Services Quarterly
LGBTQ Issues in Counselling
In 2026, Journal of LGBT Issues in Counselling and Legal Reference Services Quarterly achieved their thresholds and will remain publishing as OA. Technical Services Quarterly did not meet its threshold for this cycle and will revert to hybrid publishing for the 2026 volume.
All three journals will be next assessed against their thresholds in Spring 2027.
Pilot timeline
2024
The Subscribe to Open pilot was announced and institutions were invited to participate.
2025
Subscription uptake was assessed, and eligible journals published their 2025 volumes open access at no cost to authors.
2026
Open access status will continue to be reviewed based on annual subscription renewals.
Key benefits of Subscribe to Open
Subscribe to Open offers:
Equitable access
Supports authors with limited funding, as journals can become open access without APCs.
Stability for libraries
Institutions continue using familiar research publication and procurement processes.
Broad content coverage
All content types (articles, reviews, editorials, letters, and professional contributions) can be published open access.
How libraries can support the model
Continued subscription support is central to the Subscribe to Open pilot. It helps determine whether participating journals can publish their new volumes open access each year.
Renewing subscriptions guarantees continued access to upcoming volumes and existing journal content, including any print elements included in your subscription.
Libraries can support the pilot by:
Renewing or starting subscriptions to participating journals
Reviewing annual updates from the Taylor & Francis Newsroom
Sharing feedback on how the model aligns with institutional open access goals
Encouraging colleagues to explore S2O as a sustainable open access model
Your continued support helps sustain open access for current and future volumes.
Contact us to add the current Subscribe to Open titles to your collection.
Staying informed
We update this page regularly in line with newsroom announcements on the status of the pilot and participating journals. For the latest updates, please visit the Taylor & Francis Newsroom.
We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Subscribe to Open Community of Practice group and encourage those interested in learning more about the model to visit the Subscribe to Open Community of Practice group website.
Get in touch
For any questions or feedback related to the Subscribe to Open program: