“Before I start, I want to emphasise I do not have an issue with working with publishers. I actually think there should be *more* interaction between publishers, academics and library workers. For example, I am currently a member of the Emerald Open Science Advisory Board. But this request rankled me. Enough for me to write this blog.

I’ll explain:
Since returning to Australia from the UK in April 2019 I have worked as a consultant. I have worked with four universities and the Australian Academy of Science and am currently working for a commercial organisation. While this work is itself fulfilling and well paid, the gigs are sporadic, and I have to manage my own taxes, finances, insurance, superannuation, legal documentation, technology etc….

it is immensely frustrating to be approached by an extraordinarily profitable organisation to be asked to give my knowledge and expertise to them for free. Far be it for me to explain to a commercial organisation how commerce works, but if you want something of value, you need to pay for it. Profitable commercial publishers already benefit from the advice and knowledge of the landscape provided for free by academic librarians. That has its own issues, but when it comes to consultants and self-employed people, they need to compensate them properly.

So, my answer to that publisher request is: I’d be delighted to talk. Here’s my consultancy rate….”