Open access repositories: Functions and trends

Abstract

Open access repositories are an integral part of open science infrastructure that ensures the accessibility and findability of research results. This article is based on the analysis of the various types of repositories. The authors attempted to identify main functions of these platforms, their features and development trends. The sample includes 11 repositories, both institutional and thematic projects, and also general-purpose platforms. The main function of repositories is the storage of publications, although over time the role of these services as the publication priority registrators is increasing. Projects typically feature pre-moderation procedures, as well as a rather careful attitude to the metadata and its accuracy. Only one repository charges publication fee, their revenue come from sponsorship funds, donations, advertising, additional paid services (in various combinations). The possibilities of social interaction as a rule are quite limited: neither reviewing, nor even commenting are built-in functions of the reviewed projects. Collective work on the manuscript is also impossible. The trends of repositories future development are the diversification of formats and types of works exchanged by scientists, as well as the increasing of the importance of non-profit projects for the scientific communication infrastructure.