Defining embargo periods by discipline?

[David Wojick]

Dear Group,

I have begun to work on the design issues for a new federal green OA system 
as raised by the recent U.S. OSTP Memo. See 
http://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2013/02/25/confusions-in-the-ostp-oa-policy-memo-three-monsters-and-a-gorilla/.

One of the most interesting issues is defining different embargo periods 
for different disciplines. There is a clear scientometrics component to 
this. Therefore I am asking if anyone knows of any research that speaks to 
this issue? My first impression is that the citation pattern over time is 
the only analytical framework that has been explored but I may be wrong. In 
any case we seem to be breaking new ground with this policy issue.

There are actually two distinct issues. First how do we define a discipline 
for regulatory purposes? Second how do we determine the proper embargo 
period for each discipline? The latter is perhaps the harder question. Your 
thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

My best regards to all,

David