Category Archives: What’s Cool

Research Tips, What's Cool

Celebrate Open Access Week 2024!

Open Access Week 2024 

By Lydia Burrage-Goodwin, Special Projects Librarian & Christine Moynihan, Scholarly Communications, Data, and Affordable Learning Librarian 

Happy Open Access Week!  

Healey Library is excited to provide UMass Boston with Open Access resources and events to celebrate the open dissemination of information and scholarship.  

What is Open Access and Why is it Important? 

As defined by SPARC, a nonprofit open research and education advocacy organization, “Open Access (OA) is the free, immediate, online availability of research articles coupled with the rights to use these articles fully in the digital environment”. OA allows research to be discoverable and shareable to a wide-reaching audience, increasing visibility, potential for collaboration, and ensuring the long-term preservation of research.  

Without Open Access scholarship, students, researchers and scholars are forced to either access paywalled material using their own resources or count on Healey Library to provide access through database subscriptions. 

Many publishers require article processing charges from authors who want to make their articles Open Access, which places a burden on the authors and has the potential to limit the reach of scholarship. Healey Library supports authors with transformative (read-and-publish) agreements and support of subscribe-to-open (S2O) initiatives. These agreements allow UMB corresponding authors to publish their articles open access at no cost (or, in select cases, at a reduced cost). A list of the transformative agreements can be found on Healey Library’s Article Processing Charge Guide.  

These practices are prohibitive for many researchers and authors, and hinders advancement of research, information equity and growth. UMass Boston is committed to supporting equitable outcomes for students through our Open Access work. Read more about UMB’s strategic plan here. 

New Open Access Guidelines for Research Funding 

In 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released updated policy guidelines called The Nelson Memo outlining new requirements for providing access to federally funded research. These new guidelines will require free, immediate, and equitable access to federally funded research at UMass Boston and other federal institutions by December 31st, 2025. To remain compliant with these requirements, authors and researchers are encouraged to explore any of UMass Boston’s numerous databases and platforms when publishing or hosting their work. For more information about the requirements, contact the UMB Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.  

Why Publish Open Access? 

Choosing to publish Open Access advances information equity by making research more visible, useful, and transparent to a wider-reaching audience. Below, we highlight two examples of Open Access articles written by UMass Boston scholars: 

In 2019, Jan Mutchler, UMB Professor and Director of the Gerontology Institute, co-authored an article with graduate students Nidya Velasco Roldán and Yang Li entitled “Living Below the Line: Economic Insecurity and Older Americans, Insecurity in the States 2019”. Hosted on UMB’s institutional repository, ScholarWorks, this article has had almost 19,000 downloads since its publication. This download number is impressive coupled with 101 social media shares and 54 news media mentions, it further solidifies why publishing Open Access is beneficial to both author and reader. 

Image of PlumX Metrics for the article “Living Below the Line: Economic Insecurity and Older Americans, Insecurity in the States, 2019 by Jan Mutchler, Yang Li, and Nidya Velasco Roldán. Image highlights over 21,000 downloads since 2019.

In 2024, Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences Nursing Department doctoral candidate Rockson Ansong and Graduate Program Director of Nursing Dr. Priscilla Gazarian co-authored the article “Healthcare self-management support of stroke patients after discharge: A conceptual analysis using Rodger’s evolutionary approach”, published in Wiley’s Journal of Advancing Nursing. They took advantage of Healey Library’s new transformative agreement with Wiley that includes a set number of UMB author APC payment waivers for the year. Since the article’s publication in January 2024, it has received over 1000 full-text views. This number of full-text views is an example of the value of Open Access publishing using one of Healey Library’s transformative read and publish agreements. 

Image of the article “Healthcare self-management support of stroke patients after discharge: A conceptual analysis using Rodger’s evolutionary approach”, by Rockson Ansong and Priscilla Gazarian. Image shows over 1000 downloads since 2024.

Finding Reputable Open Access Publishers 

It is important for authors to read and understand Open Access publishing policies before choosing to submit work to an OA publisher. Authors should learn about the journal’s peer review process, its visibility and reputation, associated fees for publishing, and especially author rights and copyright.  

To find information about publishers and their policies, authors can search Sherpa/Romeo, a database that summarizes Open Access journals and their publishing policies. Authors can also use the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), a searchable database which indexes over 10.5 million articles and 33,000 journals, many of which do not require authors to pay article processing charges. Their counterpart, the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) provides access to almost 90,000 peer-reviewed Open Access books, all of which are completely free.  

If an author is concerned about the integrity of a journal or publisher, they should take advantage of Healey Library’s subscription to Cabell’s Journalytics and Predatory Reports (users will need a UMB credential to login to this resource). This resource evaluates the legitimacy of journals’ business practices, flagging violations like conflict of interest, falsification of information, unrelated content, or harmful copyright practices. Users can apply a filter to search for Open Access journals that fall into the Gold, Diamond, Bronze, or Hybrid categories.  

To learn more about publishing Open Access with reputable publishers and for further resources, visit our Open Access Library Guide.  

Open Access Week Events:  

Keep an eye out for your Healey Librarians across campus, spreading the word about Open Access! 

Event Day and TimeAbout
Zoom Workshop: Intro to ScholarWorks  Tuesday, October 22nd at 10am Register here to attend the workshop
Tabling at the Campus Center Terrace (second floor) Wednesday, October 23rd, 2pm – 3:30pm We’ll be offering information for students about Open Access resources available to them, we’ll provide snacks and a raffle for prizes. 
Tabling at the Campus Center Terrace (second floor) Thursday, October 24th, 2pm – 3:30pm Come to the Campus Center Terrace to enter a raffle for prizes, grab some free snacks and learn about Open Access at Healey Library!

Further Open Access Resources: 

  • See what events and activities our sister school UMass Dartmouth has planned for Open Access Week!
  • Visit our Open Access LibGuide for a comprehensive list of open access resources and databases  

For further information, contact Christine Moynihan, Scholarly Communications, Data, and Affordable Learning Librarian at Christine.Moynihan@umb.edu.  

Announcements, What's Cool

Healey Library Announces Transformative Agreement with Wiley

Healey Library is pleased to announce a three-year transformative agreement with Wiley, a well-established global publisher of journals with a focus on the sciences. While the new agreement continues to provide traditional read access to all 1,500+ Wiley journals, as of January 1, 2024, it also allows open access publication in Wiley journals for University of Massachusetts Boston authors at no cost to the authors.

UMB faculty who are interested in learning about the Wiley OA process are invited to register for a Wiley UMB author workshop on April 2, 2024. After registering, you will receive an email with information about the session and a join link for that day. Those who register and attend will receive a certificate of attendance and a link to a recording of the session after the training. Those who register but are unable to join will receive a link to the recording as well.

Register for the workshop using the link below: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8393409420347195994

How does this publishing agreement work?

Authors whose articles are accepted in Wiley’s Gold Open Access or Hybrid Open Access journals will be given an option to make their article open access during their submission process. This option is available for current faculty and graduate students who are the corresponding authors on an article. A current University of Massachusetts Boston email address must be used for the submission. This agreement also covers some Hindawi journals; please check before submitting your article.

How many articles are covered in the agreement?

We have an allotment of 24 open access articles per year for 2024. The allotment will go up to 25 per year for 2025 and 2026. This number is based on our average annual Wiley article output for the campus. The number of open access articles, however, has been a much smaller subset of this total—over the last two years, we have averaged 7 open access articles. There is a possibility that the number of articles submitted for the open access option could surpass our allotment near the end of the calendar year. Corresponding authors would be notified that we have reached our limit for the year; in that case, please reach out to the library to discuss the next allotment cycle start date.

Which journals are included in the agreement?

The complete list of Wiley gold and hybrid journal titles can be found on their website: https://authorservices.wiley.com/open-research/open-access/browse-journals.html.

Hindawi titles can be found on the Hindawi website: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/.

Why should you choose to publish Open Access?

The open access model makes research available to a larger audience, since open articles do not require a subscription and are not hidden behind paywalls. A recent study in the journal Scientometrics argues that open access articles receive more citations and also reach a wider range of researchers from less homogenous locations https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-023-04894-0.

One example of an an open access article that has positively impacted download rates can be seen below. This letter titled “Thermodynamic speed limits for mechanical work” by UMB authors Erez Aghion and Jason R. Green in the Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical has 809 downloads since February 2023.

We can also see that the article has been cited 3 times, which is considered an above average amount for the length of time since publication.

screenshot of citation details for IOP articles

The authors took advantage of a two-year transformative agreement that Healey Library has with the Institute of Physics that allows UMB corresponding authors to publish open access with no fee. The article can be found in the Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical online : https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1751-8121/acb5d6.

Another example comes from UMB author Mine Ertugrul. Dr. Etrugrul was the corresponding author for the article “Corporate Patenting, Customer Capital, and Financial Market Outcomes”, published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Any UMB faculty, staff or student who is the corresponding author can publish open access in Cambridge University Press journals without paying an APC. The article has 614 downloads and 2 citations since publication.

Dr. Ertugrul said “(O)pen access has been a great opportunity to increase access to our research and the publication process with Cambridge University Press was very smooth. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this opportunity for UMass Boston researchers”.

The article can be found on the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis web page: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-financial-and-quantitative-analysis/article/corporate-patenting-customer-capital-and-financial-market-outcomes/8114349E2CC295C3163A5E97A52A7D64?

What other publishers does Healey Library have agreements with?

For a full list of Healey Library’s publisher agreements, visit our guide: https://umb.libguides.com/apc/publish/apc.

Have questions? Contact Christine Moynihan, Scholarly Communications, Data, and Affordable Learning Librarian at Christine.Moynihan@umb.edu

What's Cool

Why The Boston Public Library is Underrated

It’s true, sometimes we tend to over-romanticize college and forget about our academic obligations. But suddenly, it is midterm season, and it is time to “lock in” on your five-page essay or naively try to cram-study your professor’s biology slides the day before an exam. Which now puts us here, regretting choosing our “mental health” over attending our 8 a.m. class.  

The Healey Library respects your endeavors and struggles as a student. We want the best for your scholarly intentions and goals at UMass Boston. Often, a loud dormitory or your pestering parents’ house is not the best setting to conquer your coursework. Sometimes, we crave the quiet and gratifying environment of a library to motivate our productivity. That, along with an iced coffee, a pair of noise-canceling headphones, chill-music, aaand we’re back to romanticizing.  

However, the Boston Public Library has more than an attractive environment. It is filled with bountiful resources, benefits, events, and opportunities to help you be more confident in a classroom. Here are a few things I appreciate about the BPL.

NOTE! Its important to note that the eCard is available to only those who live, reside part-time to attend school, own property, or work in Massachusetts.

For physical cards, you would need to apply at the circulation desk in any BPL location. You also need to come with picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency. For more information visit https://www.bpl.org/get-a-library-card

1) Long-term Free Loan of Chromebook Laptops

The library provides free Wi-Fi access for all and runs a short-term and long-term laptop loaning service! Going to college without a personal computer can be impossible. However, thanks to the Emergency Connectivity Fund, the library allows for the personal and academic use of a Chromebook and home Internet via home Wi-Fi routers.  

Additionally, the BPL also provides free computer and technology classes to make the setup process a bit easier! 

Click the link to see eligibility FAQs and other useful information: https://www.bpl.org/long-term-lending/

2) Free English Fluency ESOL Courses

If English is not your first language, take advantage of the free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs for adult learners! The program offers online, and in-person facilitated classes. 

There are multiple course levels and styles including Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, small group tutoring, and volunteer-led Conversation Groups. 

For more information about upcoming events and registration go to https://www.bpl.org/esol/ 

3) Get Test Prep and Homework Help Digitally 

Need help studying? Through the LearningExpress Library, you can have FREE access to thousands of test preparation materials and practice exams! These resources include college courses and career certification tests. 

Go to https://www.bpl.org/learning-tools/test-prep/ for more information! 

4) Adaptive Computer Station Software and Accessories for Disability Awareness 

The BPL cares about inclusivity and is aware of the obstacles that may come across individuals with certain disabilities. That’s why several of their program rooms are equipped with adaptive computer accessories and software! The list of tools includes; Windows Ease of Access capabilities, Duxbury Braille, Translator Braille Printer Juliet, and Kurzweil 3000. 

Go to https://www.bpl.org/accessibility-at-the-boston-public-library/ for more information about the adaptive computer station. 

5) App To E-Download Any Book on a Digital Device 

Got a job? Busy running errands? Or simply, no available commute? No problem! Recently, the BPL launched their new To-Go mobile app that allows access to their collection without stepping foot into the library. Like the “To Go Program,” which allows patrons to place holds, pick up, and return items such as books, CDs, and DVDs, the app makes ordering items for pick-up even easier! 

The app is currently available to download on the App Store, and Google Play. Go check it out! Go to, https://www.bpl.org/news/bpl-launches-new-bpl-to-go-mobile-app/ for more specifications on the app’s features. 

We’re not quite done yet! You also have the ability to download available e-books and audio-books for leisure reading using Libby! This is another app the BPL offers and allows its patrons a quick and easier way to virtually read from the library! Convenience is the key to a students heart after all! Check it out now on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information on Libby, visit https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby

6) Personal Book Shopper 

This is more of a fun benefit of having a BPL card. But, it deserves to be on this list! If you are in the mood to read but not sure what books to choose from, the library will do it for you! All you need to do is fill out a short form regarding your reading preferences and habits. Librarians will have 3-5 books ready just for you. The more you tell, the better the recommendations, so don’t be shy! 

Check out, https://www.bpl.org/shelf-service/ to get started! 

7) Free Museum Passes

Whether the resources you are looking for are available elsewhere, or, maybe you just want to immerse yourself in art or science, either way, the BPL hears you. So, that’s why they provide FREE or discounted access to a variety of museums! With an active physical library card, you can reserve 1 pass per museum per thirty-day period (Note you can not reserve a pass with an eCard, you need a physical card). The list of participating museums includes the Boston Children’s Museum, Harvard Museums of Science & Cultures, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution Museum.

Sound like fun? For further information and eligibility requirements go to www.bpl.org/museum-passes

8) Housing, Health, & Hunger Help

Aside from supporting individuals with scholarly advancements, the BPL also cares about the financial and physical well-being of its patrons. Homelessness is often a misunderstood phenomenon that does get the recognition and compassion it deserves. That’s why the BPL provides online guides containing information useful for families and individuals who are housing and food insecure. Not only does the guide act as an educational resource but the entire Housing, Health & Hunger Help page provides outside resources and opportunities to access such as “Area Shelters”, “Housing Assistance”, “Food and Free Meal Kits”, “Healthcare”, and more!

If this interests you, check out https://guides.bpl.org/guide4help/home for more information.

Hopefully, you made it to the end of this list and appreciate the Boston Public Library a bit more! The Healey Library is letting all of you know that any resident, student, or worker in Massachusetts is eligible for a BPL library card and BPL eCard. So don’t hesitate and fill out the forms now, see you at the library!

Research Tips, Resources, What's Cool

Want to Make Finding Full Text Articles Easier? Download the Lean Library Browser Extension

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jstor.org page with the Get Access Lean Library Pop-up appearing on the top right. The pop-up has a Get Access button.
Lean Library is a browser extension that provides quick and simple access to Library-subscribed full-text content – whenever, wherever you need it. When you’re on a website that contains library-subscribed content, the browser extension will notify you with a pop-up alert in the bookmarks bar that library access exists. The pop-up will provide you with the Get Access button to prompt you to authenticate with your UMass Boston login. If we do not have full-text access, then the extension will provide a link to InterLibrary Loan.

You don’t have to interrupt your workflow to find Healey Library; Healey Library will find you! Download the extension, select University of Massachusetts Boston, and start browsing for articles!

Here are some other ways Lean Library can help:

Find alternative access to articles and ebooks. If there is no access to the article or book through the current site, Lean Library helps find alternative access in another Healey Library-licensed resource or through open access channels. For books, Lean Library will take the ISBN on a page and match it up to our library holdings. This also works with Amazon, Google, and Outlook (web)!

Improved Google Scholar experience
You will notice our Find It@UMBrella links appearing beside some full text. Run a search – engineering education for women- in Google Scholar to test it out. Without Lean Library, you will have to go through Google’s multi-step Library Links set-up.

Highlight & Search in UMBrella
With Lean Library, you can highlight any text on a webpage and search it in UMBrella. Do this by using the context menu of your browser, i.e. by right-clicking on a webpage. Select the Search UMBrella @ Healey Library option from the menu.

For even more information about Lean Library, including FAQs, please visit our Lean Library Guide.

Announcements, UMBrella Update, What's Cool

UMBrella Update: Changes to Your Library Login!

UMBrella Update

After the successful launch of UMBrella and the rollout of our updated and mobile-friendly Library homepage, the Library is thrilled to announce another improvement:

As of TODAY, Library users will be prompted to enter their UMass Boston email username and password instead of their barcode when accessing the Library’s electronic resources from off-campus!

Migrating the Library’s off-campus access to the University’s single sign-on (SSO) system streamlines patrons’ access to the Library’s resources whenever and wherever needed.

Library barcodes are not going away! Patrons will still need their barcode to check out items from the Library, and, for the short term, to submit interlibrary loan (ILL) requests. 

Please continue to put UMBrella through its paces and share with us any issues you encounter or improvements you’d like to suggest. The feedback form awaits your comments!

Thank you to UMass Boston’s Information Technology Services (ITS) and UMass’s University Information Technology Services (UITS) for their continued partnership in helping us enhance library services and resources for the campus community!