Finding free and open access resources: A value-added service for patrons

Abstract

Academic libraries are eager to orient patrons to free and open access materials in their databases, digital repositories, and Web sites. These materials include journal literature, textbooks, and open educational resources. Discovery of open access content has been improved by catalogs that index open metadata and link resolvers that point to quality Internet resources. Librarians and staff save patrons time and money by helping them find open course materials and scholarly works, and the library benefits from reduced subscription costs and by promoting local intellectual capital. Nevertheless, finding these materials is still a challenge. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.