Open-access

Open-access refers to the practice of making research, data, and educational resources freely available online, removing barriers such as subscription fees and paywalls. It promotes wider dissemination, enabling anyone with internet access to read, download, distribute, and reuse content, provided proper attribution is given. This model fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery, and increases the impact of research, furthering scientific and societal progress. It often relies on alternative funding models like author-side charges, institutional support, or grants.

Open-access meaning with examples

• The university implemented an open-access policy requiring all faculty research publications to be deposited in the institutional repository. This initiative aimed to increase the visibility of their work and promote wider readership, fostering collaboration and a broader impact in their respective fields. Many journals now operate with this model which is changing access across the scientific community.
• Funding agencies are increasingly mandating open-access publishing for grant-funded research. This policy change compels researchers to publish their findings in open-access journals or repositories, ensuring public access to taxpayer-funded results. The objective is to maximize return on investment and facilitate the application of research findings.
• The library provided open-access to a collection of historical documents and digitized primary sources. This action allowed the public and scholars worldwide to access unique materials, promoting historical research, and educational enrichment. It is a great initiative to provide access to anyone wanting to study or research.
• Many educational institutions are developing open-access online learning materials, like textbooks and course videos. This provides affordable and accessible educational opportunities for students worldwide, increasing accessibility to higher education. This is a huge step toward creating an equitable learning environment.