What is Open Access

Open access is free, unrestricted access to high-quality research materials. Information is shared freely and free of charge by or to authors. Authors maintain copyright. Information is not found behind paywalls and typically free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.

Why use Open Access

There are practical and ethical reasons for using OA:

For the user

• Removes the paywall barrier for users
• Removes the journal and database fees for libraries
• Removes the cost of textbooks for students
• Knowledge is nonrivalrous
• Provides equitable access to scholarship

For the scholar

• Broadens your audience and impact
• Authors maintain rights

* Adapted from Open Access (2019) by Peter Suber, MIT Press Essential Knowledge

Where to find OA materials

OA materials are accessible and discoverable in a variety of ways

• At the repository level
• At the content level
• At the journal level
• At the institutional level 
• At the author level
• At the subject level 

 Attribution: Mark Bilby, California State University- Fullerton Library. Licensed under a CC-BY License