Open Access for Scholarly Communication: Implication from Harvard University Open Access Paradigm

"Universities, known as important hubs for academic achievements, have carried out many practical explorations on Open Access in recent years. Harvard University, a global leader in high-quality academic achievements, has had fruitful experiences in promoting Open Access, which has formed a certain international influence. Through semi-structured interviews, literature and network research methods, the article summarizes Harvard University’s experience in the development of Open Access in terms of history, system construction, mechanism operation, and multiple guarantees. The article argues that Chinese universities could learn from its experience in terms of top-level design, infrastructure, education, and guidance, meanwhile be prepared to deal with various methods and paths of Open Access. From that way, universities could better grasp the dominant role of academic communication and promote openly sharing of academic achievements.