‘It's inevitable that open access will simply expand’: Key considerations for the growth of open access hubs · CrimRxiv

Abstract:  Introduction: Open Access (OA) hubs have become pivotal in democratizing academic knowledge and fostering global accessibility to research. These digital platforms facilitate unrestricted sharing of scholarly work. Despite their potential, the adoption and sustainability of OA hubs face significant challenges. Methods: This study investigates these multifaceted issues by analyzing qualitative data collected through 11 semi-structured interviews with subject experts. Participants included individuals actively involved in the creation or ongoing development of an OA hub, experts in the legal and ethical challenges inherent to OA hubs, and those recognized for their contributions to the OA publishing framework. Thematic analysis identified key themes and patterns related to legal, ethical, and technical challenges facing OA hubs. Results: The analysis identified legal, ethical, technical, and growth factors that impact the use of OA hubs. Legal issues centered on copyright, fear associated with legal risks, and strategies for mitigation. Ethical concerns included misinformation, AI and commercial use of research, and the authors’ responsibilities. Technical challenges involved ease of use, metadata management, interoperability, server hosting, and indexing practices. Growth-related challenges encompassed acceptability and sustainability, disciplinary and generational differences, and issues of equity. Discussion: The findings underscore the need for robust funding models to ensure long-term sustainability. Addressing these challenges is essential for enabling OA hubs to evolve and support a more equitable and accessible academic publishing landscape. Conclusion: By prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity, OA hubs can fulfil their potential to revolutionize scholarly communication, paving the way for a more equitable and accessible academic landscape.