Review article
Open access to peer-reviewed scientific information : a possible future for providing information to scientists
Vlatko Silobrčić
Abstract
In a way, this text continues two of my previously published text and a lecture on Open Access (OA) to published scientific information. OA is a world wide initiative for the maximal access to scientific information, in a digital form, be it as digital OA journals („golden way“), or as digital OA self-archived documents („green way“). In this article, after a brief summary of some basic principles of the concept of OA, a short account of the most important global developments regarding the OA initiative during the years 2005 and 2006. Everything indicates that OA is ever more widespread and that there is an increasing number of institutions and foundations adhering to it. However, the initiative still requires more promotion among scientists. OA’s appeal to individual scientists should lie in the fact that OA increases the visibility of newly published information, and its impact on scientific research. Of course, this also contributes to the reputation of scientists publishing noteworthy papers. On the global scene, OA could bridge the gap between affluent and less affluent scientific communities, at least in the field of sharing published information. The reduced profit of scientific publishers is, and may for some time be, the main obstacle for further advancement of the OA approach. However, there are encouraging signs that some of the more progressive publishers are trying to adapt to the new situation.
Keywords
open access; scientific information; OA journals; OA self-archived documents; new developements
Hrčak ID:
16940
URI
Publication date:
19.7.2007.
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