Bibliometrics and Research Impact Community of Practice October Call: Unlocking Institutional Insights with Article Processing Charge (APC) Data from OpenAlex
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
In this session, Jack Young (Research Impact Librarian, McMaster University) and Kelvin Lee (Research Software Developer, McMaster University) will explore how institutions can leverage Article Processing Charge (APC) data from the OpenAlex database to better understand and manage open access publishing costs. They will discuss the value of APC data for libraries and research offices, along with the challenges of tracking and interpreting this information.
Presenters will demonstrate how to use the OpenAlex user interface to analyze basic institutional APC data and identify gaps or inaccuracies in the dataset. They will also introduce an open-source computational notebook developed to access the OpenAlex API, enabling automated APC calculations tailored to your institution.
Whether you are new to OpenAlex, computational notebooks, or simply looking to enhance your data workflows, this session will provide a useful introduction to approaches that can support your open access strategy.
Jack Young (MLIS) is McMaster’s Research Impact & Bibliometrics Librarian, supporting the use of bibliometric data to enhance the reporting and strategic planning practices of the University, its researchers and research units. In this role, Jack provides training and consultations on tools and techniques for tracking the impact of research and knowledge mobilization activities. He currently co-chairs the Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ (CARL) Community of Practice on Bibliometrics and Research Impact.
Kelvin Lee (BSc) is a Research Software Developer for Research Software Development and Support at McMaster University. Kelvin lends his computing science degree and experience in industry and academic research settings to support research and researchers through software development and training.
This session will be recorded.