Open Access, Copyright, and Scholarly Communication: Recent Advancements in Management and Academic Library Sciences in India

Abstract:  The evolving landscape of scholarly communication in India reflects a growing commitment to democratizing access to academic knowledge. This chapter critically explores the intersection of open access (OA), copyright, and scholarly communication, with a particular focus on recent developments in management and academic library sciences across India. As digital transformation redefines how knowledge is produced, shared, and preserved, Indian academic institutions are actively reconfiguring traditional publishing paradigms through institutional repositories, OA mandates, and governmentled initiatives. The chapter begins by tracing the evolution of  scholarly communication in India, highlighting the transition from print-centric models to digital dissemination through platforms like Shodhganga, NDLI, and university repositories. It then examines the role of India’s Copyright Act and Creative Commons licensing in facilitating or hindering open access practices. Emphasis is placed on recent advancements such as the proliferation of OA repositories, increasing use of preprints, and national strategies like One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) and One DAE One Subscription (ODOS), which aim to consolidate and broaden access to scholarly content. Academic libraries emerge as key enablers in this transformation—supporting repository development, raising copyright awareness, managing Article Processing Charges (APCs), and engaging with faculty to promote open scholarship. The chapter incorporates case studies from institutions like IISc Bangalore, University of Delhi, and CSIR to illustrate both achievements and persistent challenges, including funding limitations, low OA awareness, and legal ambiguities. By integrating quantitative insights with policy review and best practices, the chapter offers a roadmap for enhancing scholarly communication in India. It concludes by recommending strategic interventions such as national OA mandates, capacity building for librarians, and the integration of AI and blockchain technologies for copyright and metadata management, all of which are essential for a sustainable, inclusive knowledge ecosystem.