The impact of free access to the scientific literature: a review of recent research.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The paper reviews recent studies that evaluate the impact of free access (open access) on the behavior of scientists as authors, readers, and citers in developed and developing nations. It also examines the extent to which the biomedical literature is used by the general public.

Method

The paper is a critical review of the literature, with systematic description of key studies.

Results

Researchers report that their access to the scientific literature is generally good and improving. For authors, the access status of a journal is not an important consideration when deciding where to publish. There is clear evidence that free access increases the number of article downloads, although its impact on article citations is not clear. Recent studies indicate that l

SUBMITTER: Davis PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3133904 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature