The acquisition of Mendeley by Elsevier in 2013 marked a significant turning point for the reference management software. While the deal allowed Mendeley to expand its offerings, it also sparked controversy within the academic community. This article examines the implications of the acquisition and the debates it generated.
The Acquisition and Its Immediate Reactions
In April 2013, Elsevier, a major player in the academic publishing industry, acquired Mendeley for a speculated €50 million (approximately
$65 million). The acquisition was met with mixed reactions from the scientific community. Many users were concerned that Elsevier's business practices were at odds with Mendeley's original mission of promoting open access and sharing.
The acquisition led to heated discussions on scientific networks and in the media. Critics argued that Elsevier's motives might include gaining access to Mendeley's user data or undermining an open-science icon that threatened its business model. David Dobbs, writing for The New Yorker, suggested that Elsevier's acquisition could be seen as an attempt to "destroy or co-opt" Mendeley.
Concerns About Open Access and User Data
One of the primary concerns surrounding the acquisition was its impact on open access. Before the acquisition, Mendeley was recommended as a repository for green Open Access by Peter Suber, a leading advocate for the movement. However, this recommendation was revoked after Elsevier licensed Mendeley as proprietary software.
Users were also worried about the potential misuse of their data. Mendeley's platform collected valuable information about research trends and user behavior, which some feared could be exploited by Elsevier to strengthen its market position. These concerns were compounded by Elsevier's history of controversial business practices, including high subscription fees and restrictive access policies.
The Long-Term Implications for Mendeley
Despite the initial backlash, the acquisition allowed Mendeley to expand its product line and continue developing its core reference manager application. The Mendeley team introduced new features, such as mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, as well as Mendeley Data, a platform for sharing research datasets.
While the acquisition remains a contentious topic, Mendeley has continued to grow and adapt under Elsevier's ownership. The software's collaborative and social features have been enhanced, and its integration with word processors has improved. These developments have helped Mendeley maintain its position as a leading reference management tool.
The acquisition of Mendeley by Elsevier highlights the complex relationship between commercial interests and the principles of open access. While the deal allowed Mendeley to expand its offerings, it also raised important questions about the future of open science and the role of major publishers in shaping the academic landscape.
