About Knowledge Unlatched
Founded in 2012 by publishing innovator Frances Pinter, Knowledge Unlatched (KU) pioneered a crowdfunding model that enables libraries worldwide to support the open access publication of scholarly books and journals. Its programs have made thousands of titles freely available to readers everywhere, demonstrating the power of collective action to advance open scholarship. KU became part of the Annual Reviews organization in 2025.
Connecting communities. Expanding Open Access. Advancing knowledge.
Knowledge Unlatched (KU) is guided by a simple principle: Open access has its greatest value when it remains grounded in academic needs while also reaching those who can benefit from it more widely.
We value:
- Openness with purpose
- Transparency and trust
- Shared responsibility
- Global and cultural reach
- Collection development guided by a global network of librarian voters
- High impact subject collections
Meet the KU Team
Dr. Olaf Ernst
Senior Manager, Sales, Partnerships & Initiatives
Outside North America
olaf@knowledgeunlatched.org
Who should I contact?
For pledging inquiries in North America: Alexandra Brown
For pledging inquiries outside of North America: Olaf Ernst
For inquiries regarding new publishing partnerships: Vanessa De Bueger
To register for librarian voting of KU Select Collection, please contact: Shauna Hallmark
For billing and title uploading inquiries: Carolina Veiga
All other inquiries: Vanessa De Bueger