Retrospective open access journals
Retrospective open access gives you a flexible way to convert previously published subscription articles into open access.
By making selected backlist articles openly available, you can increase their visibility, usage, and impact while supporting your institution’s open research goals.
This option is available for eligible articles published in most of Taylor & Francis’ 2,100+ Open Select journals.
Benefits of retrospective open access conversion
Retrospective conversion helps you unlock the full value of research that’s already been published.
Increased impact
Articles converted to open access typically see higher usage, broader global reach, and increased citations.
Improved accessibility
Anyone, anywhere can read open access articles—no subscription required.
Supports policy compliance
Help meet funder and institutional open access requirements including targets for open publications and research transparency.
Immediate return on investment
Boost your institution’s research profile through increased discoverability and visibility of your output.
Integrates with your existing agreements
Works alongside your Taylor & Francis open access fund or Read & Publish agreement to convert older content that wouldn’t be eligible for conversion under other agreements.
The impact of retrospective OA: a library case study
Retrospective conversion helps you unlock the full value of research that’s already been published.
Scale
80+
Articles
Over 80 articles aged 2-3 years, over 80% in HSS, converted in December 2022
Impact
5x
Citations
5x more citations. 19 total citations before, 96 after
Reach
153
Countries
Accessed from 153 countries. 65% more countries than before conversion.
Usage
4x
Downloads
4x more downloads the year following conversion compared to the prior year
Frequently asked questions
How does retrospective open access work?
Because your articles are already published, the only steps required from you are to select the articles you’d like to convert and arrange payment of the applicable conversion fee. Our teams will take care of the rest, from communicating with authors to republishing your chosen articles as open access.
How much does retrospective open access cost?
Retrospective open access is priced depending on the journal’s subject area and time since publication.
Request more information
Additional services are available to help increase the visibility and impact of your retrospective open access articles.
If you’d like to explore retrospective open access for your institution, complete our enquiry form and our team will be in touch.