Open access (OA) encompasses a set of principles and diverse practices that facilitate the unrestricted online distribution of research outputs, eliminating access charges and other barriers. It also involves reducing or eliminating restrictions on copying and reuse by implementing open licenses for copyright.
The primary focus of the open access movement is the democratization of access to "peer-reviewed research literature." Traditionally concentrated in print-based academic journals, open access broadens accessibility by breaking down financial barriers. Unlike non-open access journals, which cover publishing costs through subscriptions, site licenses, or pay-per-view charges, open-access journals adopt funding models that liberate readers from payment requirements. Instead, they rely on author fees, public funding, subsidies, and sponsorships.
Open access principles can be applied across various forms of research output, encompassing both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed materials. This includes academic journal articles, conference papers, theses, book chapters, monographs, research reports, and images. The overarching goal is to make knowledge freely available, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research environment.
