The current state of open access

TL;DR

This paper reflects on the evolution of scholarly communication, emphasizing open access's origins, current practices in Japan, and the need for innovative models to fully leverage digital dissemination for global, real-time knowledge sharing.

Contribution

It critically analyzes Japan's open access landscape and advocates for rethinking publication practices to develop new, internet-era communication models.

Findings

Many digital innovations imitate print conventions

Limitations of the Version of Record hinder progress

Diamond open access offers promising opportunities

Abstract

This article presents reflections from the perspective of a university librarian involved in the establishment and management of institutional repositories in Japan. It examines the historical evolution of scholarly communication, from the oral exchanges of ancient Greek philosophers, through the advent of printing and the rise of academic journals, to the contemporary digital era. The origins of the open access movement are emphasized as rooted in authors' desire to disseminate knowledge globally, rather than merely opening access for readers. The article critically discusses current practices in Japan, including institutional repositories, open access journals, and "read-and-publish" agreements, highlighting that many digital innovations still imitate the conventions of print-based scholarly communication. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and opportunities posed by electronic information dissemination, including the limitations of the Version of Record and the potential of diamond open access models. The article argues that genuine progress in scholarly communication requires rethinking publication practices, embracing the modifiability of digital content, and developing new communication models fully suited to the internet era. Ultimately, the goal is to realize a global, real-time, trustworthy scholarly communication system that transcends the historical constraints of print media.