The Specialist National Libraries in Germany (TIB, ZB MED and ZBW) have played a key role in financing the participation of German universities and research institutions in OA Switchboard through a national arrangement since 2023.

For 2026, the German community is moving to a new, decentralised model. Under this new set-up, 22 multi-site German institutions have signed up through a TIB-led consortium to participate in OA Switchboard.

This evolution reflects the growing maturity and adoption of OA Switchboard within Germany and provides participating institutions with greater flexibility while maintaining the strong collaborative approach that has characterised the initiative from the beginning. Read the full announcement here.