A recently published article by Arslan Sheikh and Joanna Richardson, titled “Open access movement in the scholarly world: Pathways for libraries in developing countries” in the Journal of Information Science, explores the global progress of the open access movement and the unique challenges faced by developing countries. The article delves into how libraries can play a pivotal role in overcoming these barriers and fostering greater adoption of open-access publishing.
Open access, a transformative scholarly publishing model, continues to gain traction worldwide as an alternative to traditional subscription-based systems. However, the study reveals that progress in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Oceania lags behind due to two primary challenges:
- High Publishing Fees: Many researchers in developing countries face financial barriers to publishing in open access journals.
- Lack of Institutional Policies: The absence of mandates and supportive frameworks discourages broader adoption of open access practices.
Drawing on a combination of qualitative insights from literature and quantitative data from major open access platforms, the authors highlight the critical role academic libraries can play in addressing these challenges. The study suggests strategies for libraries to:
- Advocate for institutional open access policies.
- Facilitate access to publishing funds and fee waivers.
- Provide training and awareness about the benefits of open access for researchers.
The article underscores the need for collaborative efforts among academic institutions, libraries, and policymakers to bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to knowledge for researchers in developing countries.
This thought-provoking study not only sheds light on existing barriers but also outlines actionable pathways for libraries to support the open access movement and empower researchers globally. The full article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515231202758.