Open Access Week highlights the importance of making research openly available so that knowledge can be shared more widely and equitably.
What is Open Access?
Open access is the practice of publishing research that anyone can access without hitting a paywall or having to subscribe to it. While you study you are able to access a lot of information through journals that your library subscribes to but after study, your main access to research will be from reading open access articles and books.
Why is it important?
Open access helps the distribution of important, scholarly research, making it available to all, not just those who can affort it. It helps reduce inequities in research and means that researchers can share important information.
How do I know if something is Open Access?
- Look out for the Open Access lock symbol.
- The article of book may state that it's open access
- Check out publishers permissions or license
Are Open Access books and articles lower quality?
No. Many open access journals and books use the same process for checking the quality as those that you have to pay for.
Want to find out more about Open Access?
Visit the Spotlight On Open Access section of our homepage.