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The impact of open access on the management of scientific knowledge

The impact of open access on the management of scientific knowledge Purpose – This paper aims at analysing the impact of open access (OA) on the creation, retrieval and transfer of scientific knowledge. In doing so, the focus is set on scientific research as one core function of higher education institutions. It also aims to identify potential advantages of OA over traditional subscription‐based publishing models from the viewpoint of academic scientists. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this study can be classified as analytical conceptual research. First the SECI model of organisational knowledge creation is applied to knowledge management in science (with the university as organisation). In a second step the resulting framework is used to describe influences of OA on the management of scientific knowledge. Findings – OA accelerates the creation and widens the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Subject‐based repositories are suggested to provide the best conditions for retrieval of scientific knowledge. Furthermore, in terms of economic efficiency, OA has the potential to significantly decrease the costs of scholarly communication. Research limitations/implications – In this paper the focus of investigation is academic research. Thus in order to get the “big picture” the influence of openly accessible information on knowledge management processes in teaching and administration should also be evaluated. The approach used in this paper seems to be suitable for such an analysis. Practical implications – The findings of the paper are of interest for policy makers in higher education institutions – especially when facing decisions regarding the (financial) support of OA initiatives. Originality/value – The paper adds a theoretically sound approach of analysing OA impacts to the existing literature in this field. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Online Information Review Emerald Publishing

The impact of open access on the management of scientific knowledge

Online Information Review , Volume 34 (4): 21 – Aug 10, 2010

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References (76)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2010 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1468-4527
DOI
10.1108/14684521011072990
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims at analysing the impact of open access (OA) on the creation, retrieval and transfer of scientific knowledge. In doing so, the focus is set on scientific research as one core function of higher education institutions. It also aims to identify potential advantages of OA over traditional subscription‐based publishing models from the viewpoint of academic scientists. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this study can be classified as analytical conceptual research. First the SECI model of organisational knowledge creation is applied to knowledge management in science (with the university as organisation). In a second step the resulting framework is used to describe influences of OA on the management of scientific knowledge. Findings – OA accelerates the creation and widens the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Subject‐based repositories are suggested to provide the best conditions for retrieval of scientific knowledge. Furthermore, in terms of economic efficiency, OA has the potential to significantly decrease the costs of scholarly communication. Research limitations/implications – In this paper the focus of investigation is academic research. Thus in order to get the “big picture” the influence of openly accessible information on knowledge management processes in teaching and administration should also be evaluated. The approach used in this paper seems to be suitable for such an analysis. Practical implications – The findings of the paper are of interest for policy makers in higher education institutions – especially when facing decisions regarding the (financial) support of OA initiatives. Originality/value – The paper adds a theoretically sound approach of analysing OA impacts to the existing literature in this field.

Journal

Online Information ReviewEmerald Publishing

Published: Aug 10, 2010

Keywords: Knowledge management; Open systems; Research; Higher education

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