What is it about?
In an era where Open Access (OA) is increasingly prevalent, this paper explores its impact on the role of traditional subscription-based resources in college libraries. It gets to the crucial question: With OA's ubiquity, are paid subscriptions still necessary? The analysis of COUNTER reports reveals a compelling truth: subscription resources are not only surviving but thriving, asserting their importance in academic libraries. This study provides a rare insight for college librarians, emphasizing the continued value of paid resources alongside OA in serving the academic community effectively.
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Why is it important?
This study is vital in today's academic landscape, where the rise of Open Access (OA) challenges the traditional model of library subscriptions. By meticulously analyzing COUNTER reports, it uncovers a surprising trend: despite the prevalence of OA, subscription-based resources maintain a crucial role in college libraries. This revelation is particularly significant for librarians and decision-makers, reinforcing the importance of balanced resource allocation in meeting the diverse needs of the academic community and ensuring comprehensive access to scholarly materials.
Perspectives
In an age where technological advancements like AI suggest that newer is always better, I hope my paper adds a playful twist. Imagine an old, once-famous actor unexpectedly stealing the spotlight - that's the role of traditional library resources amidst the burgeoning fame of Open Access. It's both exciting and amusing to anticipate how this landscape will shift in the coming years. To all academic librarians: we're on a mission to witness and shape this evolution. Live long and prosper, librarians!
Yuimi Hlasten
Denison University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Open access and COUNTER usage: Hybrid OA impact on a Private Liberal Arts College, Information Services & Use, December 2023, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/isu-230206.
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