Libraries and open access: The implications of open-access publishing and dissemination for libraries in higher education institutions

Abstract

This chapter discusses the consequences of open-access (OA) publishing and dissemination for libraries in higher education institutions (HEIs). To date, this topic has not receivedmuch coverage in the professional literature, despite the fact that a number of librarians have been leading advocates of OA. One explanation of this might be that librarians have been so focused on OA as a perceived answer to the "serials crisis" that they have not looked beyond that at the long-term implications of OA for libraries. Another possible explanation is that librarians have habitually taken a wider view of information issues (wider that is than just that of the library as an organization) and have therefore concentrated on the benefits of OA for the research community in general rather than on the consequences for libraries in particular. Whatever the explanation (there is probably some truth in both of the above for the library profession as a whole), it is certainly the case that a number of issues associated with the relationship between OA and libraries require further consideration. Key questions (which are addressed in this chapter) include: • How might OA help information provision? • What changes to library services will arise from OA developments (particularly if OA becomes widespread)? • How do these changes fit in with wider changes affecting the future role of libraries? • How can libraries and librarians help to address key practical issues associated with the implementation of OA (particularly transition issues)? By addressing these issues, it is hoped that this paper and other similar studies will give rise to more discussion of this strategically significant area for libraries. This chapter will look at OA from the perspective of HE libraries and will make four key points: 1. Open access has the potential to bring benefits to the research community in particular and society in general by improving information provision. 2. If there is widespread open access to research content, there will be less need for library-based activity at the institution level, andmore need for information management activity at the supra-institutional or national level. 3. Institutional libraries will, however, continue to have an important role to play in areas such asmanaging purchased or licensed content, curating institutional digital assets, and providing support in the use of content for teaching and research. 4. Libraries are well-placed to work with stakeholders within their institutions and beyond to help resolve current challenges associated with the implementation of OA policies and practices. Each of these points will be discussed in turn, but first some remarks on the phenomenon of open access itself. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.