Open access materials are academic materials that are legally accessible and distributed online, free of cost. The theme for this year’s International Open Access Week (October 23-29) is “Community over Commercialization,” encouraging a candid conversation about which approaches to open scholarship prioritize the best interests of the public and the academic community, and the importance of wider access to published research.
Public access to scholarly research is crucial for several reasons:
- Knowledge Dissemination: Open research ensures that knowledge from scientists is accessible worldwide.
- Informed Decision-Making: Policymakers can make data-driven decisions by accessing the latest scientific findings.
- Inclusivity: Open research breaks down location and affiliation barriers, democratizing information access.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Open research allows researchers from different domains to build on each other’s work.
- Economic Efficiency: Open access reduces subscription costs for institutions, ensuring sustainable research practices.
- Global Problem-Solving: Publicly available research enhances collaboration on global challenges.
- Educational Value: Students and educators can access current research, aiding learning and teaching.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Open research fuels innovation by providing data for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
- Ethical Transparency: It aligns with principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness, ensuring publicly funded research benefits the public.
In recognition of International Open Access Week, the TMU Libraries are hosting the following three events. We encourage faculty and graduate students to attend one of our three open access week events and learn more about how open access can help academics find a wider audience for their research.
Show and Tell: Open Access Publishing Tools
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EST
Format: In-person LIB 387 – Library Collaboratory
Register: Show and Tell: Open Access Publishing Tools
Join us in the TMU Library Collaboratory for a look at the specialized open access tools available to support your research and teaching. During our roundtable event, library experts will be on hand to answer all your questions about RShare, our digital repository, Open Journal Software for scholarly publishing, Pressbooks and H5P for creating interactive books and textbooks, and LaTex for writing, editing and publishing scientific documents. Participants will also have an opportunity to tour the Collaboratory and explore the features available to members, including AR/VR equipment, digital fabrication tools, and drones.
TMU Academic Leaders Discuss Open Access to Research
Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. EST
Format: Online on Zoom
Register: TMU Academic Leaders Discuss Open Access to Research
Join us online for an Open Access Week panel event hosted by the TMU Libraries. Chief Librarian Mark Robertson will moderate a discussion with academic leaders Sean Kheraj, Dr. Teresa Chan and Michael Kolios, on the value of open access research.
Let’s Talk Series: Learn how to use RShare
Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. EST
Format: Online on Zoom
Register: Let’s Talk Series: Learn how to use RShare
Learn more about the RShare digital repository including how to set up your profile, tie it to your ORCID account, and deposit your academic work and data. This workshop will show you how to use the RShare knowledge mobilization platform hosted by the Library. This session is open to faculty members and instructors.