What does Free_To_Read mean in COUNTER?
Free_To_Read is an Access_Type used for content that is available to users without authentication or subscription, but which is not classified as Open.
Examples include:
- Permanently free content
- Promotional access
Free_To_Read allows this usage to be clearly separated from licensed (Controlled) usage in COUNTER reports.
When was Free_To_Read introduced?
The Free_To_Read Access_Type was introduced in COUNTER Release 5.1.
In COUNTER 5.0, usage of content that is now classified as Free_To_Read was reported as Controlled usage, because there was no separate category to distinguish it. This means:
- Free access activity before R5.1 is included in Controlled metrics
- Usage figures across releases may not be directly comparable without context
Where to look for Free_To_Read Usage
If you’re interested specificall in Free_To_Read, you need to look into COUNTER reports and Standard Views that include Access_Type as a dimension, especially:
- TR_J3 – Journal Usage by Access Type
- TR_B3 – Book Usage by Access Type
- Custom Title Reports (TR) where Access_Type filtering is applied
Standard Views labelled “(Controlled)”, such as TR_J1 and TR_B1, exclude Free_To_Read usage by design.
Direct impact on COUNTER reports
The same title may appear more than once in a report if its Access_Type changes over time.
Best practices
- Be aware that Free_To_Read usage was previously reported as Controlled.
- Avoid direct comparisons between pre‑R5.1 and R5.1 Controlled usage without context.
- Use Access_Type breakdowns to explain significant changes in usage trends.
- Use the Custom Filtered Title Report, filtered by Access_Type = Controlled, to support financial and renewal decision-making.