March 13, 2014

UOW unlocks knowledge with new Open Access Policy

UOW has adopted a new policy that aims to unlock access to its greatest asset – knowledge.

The new Open Access Policy will allow anyone from anywhere in the world to download academic publications via the University’s Research Online platform.

In the eyes of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Judy Raper, this initiative is the best strategy to increase visibility and make research outputs such as publications more discoverable and accessible.

“The Open Access Policy is the capstone to a range of existing initiatives designed to promote UOW research across the globe,” Professor Raper said.

“The Policy encourages immediate, online and free availability of research outputs without restrictions on use, which may be imposed by published copyright agreements,” she said.

Engineering Professor Budhimma Indraratna, who currently scores some of the highest overall downloads of full text content on Research Online, believes the Policy is a game-changer for niche experts like him.

Professor Indraratna is a pioneer of Rail Track research in Australia, leading one of the world’s most active Research and Development units with an annual income of approximately $2.5million each year.

Research Online aims to shine light on research activities currently underway and improve the reach of the University’s work to external collaborators, scholars and the wider public.

Director of UOW’s Library Services Ms Margie Jantti will spearhead the implementation of the Policy.

“The value placed on open access is reflected in the number of Australian and international universities which already have open access mandates or policies. From a library’s perspective, the free and open discovery of research is central to an informed and prosperous society,” Ms Jantti said.