This year (2013) we created an Author's Rights Retention Kit in paper and at http://libguides.utk.edu/retainyourrights.

The goal of the Kit is to put in author's hands, at the point of need a folder that explains how they can retain more rights.   The text of the flyer for the Web guide is here:

A toll access publisher presents you with the standard copyright transfer statement.   Why sign a copyright transfer statement that restricts access to your hard work?   You can negotiate to retain more rights.

The Author’s Rights Retention Kit:

• Explains copyright transfer negotiating options, including what to look for in a publisher’s copyright agreement.

• Shows how to use the “Addendum to Publication Agreement.” Please consider adding the Addendum to your workflow.  It is a straightforward way to retain (1) the right to post the final version of an article in SelectedWorks or other reputation management service and (2) preserve the final version of an article in the UT digital archive TRACE.   This simple task increases access and protects valuable intellectual property. 

• Includes a guide to the UT Open Publishing Support Fund.  Open Access is an author-friendly option to toll access publishing.

• Has a tab labeled “Researcher Online Reputation Management” which provides a context for comparing SelectedWorks with other services.

• Also includes more information about Creative Commons, a way to share your creative work without relinquishing copyright.

Increased Access  =  Increased Impact

Ann Viera or Peter Fernandez    865-974-7338

Pendergrass Library, University of Tennessee, Knoxville    10/2013