Perceptions of open access publishing: A comparative study of gold and diamond models among global researchers

Background: As open-access (OA) publishing continues to reshape scholarly communication, two primary models—gold and diamond OA—have gained prominence. While the gold model charges authors through Article Processing Charges (APCs), the diamond model offers free access for both authors and readers. Understanding global researchers' perceptions of these models is essential to addressing issues of equity, accessibility, and sustainability. Purpose: This study investigates researchers' perceptions of gold and diamond OA models, particularly in terms of visibility, financial implications, institutional support, and equity, with a comparative lens on developed and developing country contexts. Research Design: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed to capture researchers' experiences and attitudes toward OA publishing. Study Sample: The study targeted authors who had published in MDPI gold open-access journals with an impact factor of 5 or higher during 2022–2023. A random sample of 1,000 researchers was contacted, yielding 152 completed responses. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Data were collected via structured questionnaires administered through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS v29 to analyze demographic data and Likert-scale responses concerning perceptions of OA models. Results: Respondents from developed countries favored gold OA for its visibility and citation potential, but concerns over APC affordability and institutional support were evident, especially among those from developing regions. Diamond OA was perceived as more equitable and inclusive due to its no-fee structure, although sustainability concerns persisted. Institutional support for OA publishing was limited, with few institutions offering financial backing or APC subsidies. Conclusions: While gold OA offers benefits in visibility and impact, its cost structure poses barriers for underfunded researchers. Diamond OA aligns more closely with equitable publishing ideals but requires sustainable funding mechanisms. Strengthened institutional support and adaptive funding policies are critical to advancing inclusive and sustainable OA publishing.