Equity in Access: Strategies and Initiatives for Promoting Equitable Access to Scholarly Information among Diverse Communities

Abstract:  The open access (OA) movement has revolutionized scholarly communication by dismantling financial barriers and expanding the global circulation of knowledge. However, equitable access remains an unresolved challenge. While OA broadens availability, structural inequalities rooted in economics, language, geography, and culture continue to marginalize underrepresented communities in both the production and consumption of scholarly information. This paper examines equity in access through a critical review of literature, case studies of inclusive initiatives, and policy analysis. It highlights persistent challenges such as article processing charges (APCs), linguistic hegemony, and infrastructural divides, while also identifying opportunities for inclusive practices through multilingual publishing, communitydriven repositories, and supportive policy frameworks. The paper argues that OA must evolve from a model focused on affordability to one centred on inclusivity and justice. By situating OA within the framework of epistemic justice and knowledge equity, this study proposes a framework for inclusive scholarly ecosystems that empower marginalized voices, diversify knowledge production, and strengthen the democratization of global scholarship.