FAO implements Open Access Policy to maximize reach of FAO knowledge products | North America | Devdiscourse

"As of today, FAO will implement an Open Access policy, enabling maximal reach and ease of use for FAO knowledge products. FAO has been disseminating knowledge since its foundation in 1945, and its publications have been freely accessible in the FAO online Document Repository since 1998. The new Open Access policy goes a step further; not only ensuring that FAO's wealth of knowledge remains easily accessible to users around the world but actively encouraging and providing a framework for the broader use, reproduction, and dissemination of this material. "This policy is a recognition of the importance that FAO places on the universal right of access to information.  FAO knowledge is a global public good, and it should be free of unreasonable barriers to access for those who need it most," said Enrique Yeves, Director of the Office of Corporate Communications. In concrete terms, FAO will apply a Creative Commons 3.0 IGO license to all eligible publications and documents published on its Web site. The policy uses a license developed together with the World Intellectual Property Organization and other United Nations and international organizations and designed for international institutions - which have unique legal status - to allow unrestricted online access to expert research...."