Dear Dr. [Author name],
Congratulations on your recent publication in [Journal name] titled [Article title]. I am asking for a few minutes of your time to complete a four question web survey concerning the source of funding that was used for the article processing charge and your thoughts about publishing in open access journals that require these fees. Completing the survey should take you not more then 2 or 3 minutes. At the end of the survey, you will be able to request a copy of the results which will be emailed to you at this email address.
I hope this study will provide a better understanding of how article processing fees are being funded and some of the factors that are being considered by researchers in choosing to publish in open access journals.
The data that will be collected will not be anonymous since the survey software will be adding your institution, country and the digital object identifier (DOI) for your article to the survey data. The data will be stored on a secure computer in a locked room and only be available to the primary researcher. Only aggregated information will be disseminated. There are no foreseeable risks associated with participation in this study.
Participation in this research project is completely voluntary. You may choose not to answer specific questions. There are no costs or compensation for participation in this survey. You will be indicating your voluntary agreement to participate by completing and submitting the survey. To participate in the survey click your mouse on the web link below or copy and paste it into your browser window.
http://www.openaccesspublishing.org/apc/survey.php?id=$id
If you have concerns or questions about this survey please contact the researcher:
David J Solomon, PhD
202 E Fee Hall
Michigan State University
E. Lansing, MI 48824 USA
+1 517 353-2037 Ext 223
dsolomon@msu.edu
If you have questions or concerns about your role and rights as a research participant, would like to obtain information or offer input, or would like to register a complaint about this study, you may contact, anonymously if you wish, the Michigan State University’s Human Research Protection Program at +1 517-355-2180, Fax +1 517-432-4503, or e-mail irb@msu.edu or regular mail at 207 Olds Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI USA 48824.