Open Access in Academic Libraries

Source:

Bosc, H. & Harnad, S. (2005). In a paperless world a new role for academic libraries: Providing open access. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/alpsp/lp/2005/00000018/

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Abstract:

It is a fact that academic libraries serve as essential tools to researchers. Internet has enhanced the libraries' role through Open Access (OA) which made journal articles accessible to many, toll free for all and web wide. Open Access is provided to researchers by (1) creating institutional OA archives and self-archiving their published journal articles in them or (2) creating and publishing their articles in OA journals. Libraries like the Lund University Library have already created OA journal, set-up OA archives and self-archive journal articles on behalf of their researchers. Universities in Europe have also initiated OA library-based collaborative projects (i.e. Fair Project in UK; Dare Project in the Netherlands).

By reading this article, I have learned that (1) libraries should promote Open Access by OA self-archiving and journal publishing--"educating others by example"; (2) OA resources should be included in library web interfaces; and (3) an official mandate on Open Access is needed to put the abstract principle of Open Access into worldwide concrete practice.

Open Access veers away from costly publishing and acquisition expenses. It helps in increasing

citation counts of articles, authors and journals. It aids fresh journal articles reach researchers and the on-line community faster. Open Access definitely helps save a great deal of shelf space. Other than that, one even has the option to read full articles via computer and print only those articles that s/he needs the most--therefore supporting green librarianship and sustainable library practices.

Laws on Open Access together with effective implementing rules and regulations should be created. Issues in copyright and proper citation of OA works should be carefully addressed in such policies. There is no doubt that Open Access has great advantages and it certainly paves the way to more innovative ways of information sharing.