How to facilitate and make the academic libraries more accessible to young researchers, especially by implementing open access

Abstract

In this article the authors discuss how to make the academic libraries more accessible to young researchers. They focus on different ways in which the accessibility may be strengthened, in particular the role of open access in this perspective. In recent years the research perspective has become more and more important - not only in doctoral education but also in education and teaching at all three levels: Bachelor, Master’s and Ph. D. levels (cycles 1-3). In connection with this development the academic libraries have become more important work areas for students as they actively access the sources deposited in these libraries. In addition, the students are offered support and guidance by the library staff whose role now includes more than being in charge of book orders. Open access is a central component of the new role of the academic libraries. Open access is an important knowledge platform which represents an efficient system for electronic research registration and publication, and is consequently crucial in the academic libraries’ function of assisting the scientific community in their scholarly communication. In order to get the most out of these modern research libraries, the authors recommend close cooperation between the academic libraries and the Faculty administration and between the academic libraries and the academic staff. The academic libraries must also take practical steps to become more IL accessible and to acquire, maintain and update efficient technical equipment. The physical space required must also be borne in mind in order for the academic libraries to become social research arenas.