Improving Open Access Discovery for Academic Library Users

"OCLC Research partnered with two Dutch library consortia—Universiteitsbibliotheken en Nationale Bibliotheek (UKB) and Samenwerkingsverband Hogeschoolbibliotheken (SHB)—to investigate how academic libraries can connect users with OA content. Dutch academic libraries have been instrumental in the progress toward full open access to publications for all educational institutions and research domains in the Netherlands. This report bridges the gap between the availability and discoverability of OA publications.

The research findings shared in this report analyze the efforts made by library staff to make OA publications discoverable and explore user behaviors at seven institutions in the Netherlands. The findings can serve as a catalyst for academic libraries worldwide to engage in meaningful conversations about enhancing OA discoverability given local contexts and user needs.

Key Contributions of the Report:

1. Provides valuable insights into the measures taken by library staff in the Netherlands to facilitate the discoverability of OA publications.    
2. Highlights library staff's successful efforts to support user needs and explores opportunities to improve.    
3. Identifies key stakeholders in the OA landscape and provides actionable suggestions for them to maximize the impact of their contributions...."