This presentation was given as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) University Library Outreach Lecture, 28 January 2021
This lecture reviews the growth of open access in recent years, and considers the position of major publishers as they adjust their business models. Key developments at present include the impact of Plan S, the shift towards transformative read and publish agreements, and the impact of mergers and acquisitions on the commercial landscape. The lecture illustrates the opportunities and challenges for individual institutions by reviewing agreements established between Carnegie Mellon and leading commercial, society, university and open access publishers.