“Look to the Champions of Freedom for All” How Libraries Can Advance Democracy Through Opening Access

Abstract:  The debate surrounding the transition to an open-access scholarly communications environment is familiar in library and publishing circles. We often find ourselves entangled in the nuances of policy and implementation, risking losing sight of the broader possibilities that open access presents. As libraries successfully facilitate more scholarly works becoming freely accessible, we face a pivotal question: “What now?” or (more wordily) “How can these investments in openness be harnessed and expanded to advance the public missions of our institutions?” This paper argues that open access is not just a logistical achievement, but a powerful tool for promoting democratic ideals. Through a series of case studies, this paper illustrates actionable strategies for leveraging open-access resources to foster democratic engagement and expand informed participation locally, nationally, and globally.