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An Introduction to Open Access (OA)

What does "Open" mean?

Open Access is the free, immediate, online availability of information that can be accessed, used and shared without restriction.  Open information includes

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SPARC Open Access Fact Sheet - This 2-page fact sheet from the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) provides basic information about open access.  SPARC is a global member organization working to promote open information.

Peter Suber's Open Access Overview - This brief but thorough description of open access provides an accessible orientation for those new to open access.

Budapest Open Access Initiative - The Budapest Open Access Initiative defined Open Access for the first time in 2002.  Since then the organization continues to survey the scholarly community and release updated recommendations.

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Open Access Explained