Advocacy for open access: a selected review of the literature and resource list

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review some of the current literature and discuss some ways to advocate for open access (OA) programs adopted by libraries in various institutions. It points out that the library and information science/system community's enthusiasm for innovations in OA may have unintended negative financial consequences. This overview provides a list of relevant literature/resources in the area of library advocacy, with regard to the ongoing needs of OA repositories. There is a focus on OA in India.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review is not comprehensive but selective and fairly recent; it includes published resources from the last ten years and lists organizations advocating for a sustainable OA model.FindingsThe advocacy roles for librarians in promoting the OA movement, and the challenges they are facing in this era are discussed. The author stresses that a proactive approach in information handling and collaboration with information technology staff and academics are essential for OA to be sustainable.Originality/valueOwing to poor or reduced government funding for libraries, librarians are forced to advocate for OA in new and different ways. Library officers/information managers serving in universities and academic institutions can launch a program to help faculty pay for publishing in OA journals, introducing the concept and securing funding through various means.