FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fondren Library Invests in Diamond Open Access Journal to Support Foucault Studies

HOUSTON, TX – June 18, 2024 – Fondren Library is proud to announce its investment to support Foucault Studies as a diamond open access journal. This initiative aligns with Fondren's commitment to increase the visibility and impact of Rice research, and remove barriers to accessing scholarly research literature. Diamond open access ensures that journals or platforms do not charge fees to read or publish, promoting unrestricted access to high-quality academic content.

Sharla Lair, Senior Strategist of Open Access and Scholarly Communication Initiatives at Lyrasis, and Dr. Niki Kasumi Clements, Associate Professor of Religion at Rice University, introduced and championed the proposal to support Foucault Studies. The proposal was reviewed and supported by a group of Fondren staff members including Anna Shparberg, Joe Goetz, Shannon Kipphut-Smith, Scott Vieira, Lisa Spiro, and Cindy Pierard.
Dr. Clements is a distinguished figure in Foucault scholarship and saw a unique opportunity to bolster the journal in conjunction with Rice’s hosting of a world congress in April 2024, commemorating the enduring legacy of Michel Foucault.

Fondren Library recognized Dr. Clements' request as an ideal application of its Open Access Decision-Making Framework, which offers a pragmatic and principled approach to investing in open access (OA) projects. Through the Lyrasis Open Access Community Investment Program (OACIP), Fondren has pledged support for Foucault Studies for a three-year period.

Foucault Studies is the sole international journal in the English language dedicated to the work and influence of Michel Foucault, a scholar often cited as one of the most influential contemporary authors in the humanities and social sciences. For nearly two decades, the journal has been a leading platform for high-quality research related to Foucault, entirely open access. It serves as a critical resource for scholars globally, facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering collaborative research on Foucault’s thought and legacy.

“It is crucial for the future of scholarly communication that the academic library community financially supports diamond open access content,” Lair states. “Fondren Library has emerged as a leader in this endeavor by actively participating in programs like the Lyrasis Open Access Community Investment Program. Through its dedication to supporting diamond open access content, Fondren ensures that more research is free to read and publish, thereby dismantling barriers to knowledge, fostering global collaboration, and advancing scientific discovery for all.”

For more information about Fondren Library’s support of Foucault Studies or its open access initiatives, please contact:

**Media Contact:**
Sireice Edwards
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Fondren Library, Rice University
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (713)348-3177

About Fondren Library:
Fondren Library, located at Rice University in Houston, Texas, is dedicated to supporting the academic and research needs of the university community. Through innovative services, comprehensive collections, and a commitment to open access, Fondren Library fosters a vibrant environment for learning, research, and collaboration.
library.rice.edu

About Foucault Studies:
Foucault Studies is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal dedicated to the work and legacy of Michel Foucault. Established nearly twenty years ago, it has become the premier venue for scholars in the anglophone world and beyond to publish research on all aspects of Foucault’s thought.