The Impact of Open Access Policies on Libraries: The New Era in Publishing Industry

Statement: The development and widespread adoption of Internet as a strong information tool is transforming the Publishing Industry. The field, perhaps most, affected by this change is the one of Information Science, which is about to face new challenges and adopt new roles and techniques. Information Organizations assess, collect and manage both printed and digital material. The aforementioned fact is addressing new issues such as collection policy, copyright issues and their financial implications. Aim/Objectives: This paper aims to discuss the Open Access issue, as a way of disseminating scientific information worldwide in regards to e-content management. Furthermore, it explores new policy’s parameters. Methods: An extended bibliographic review is held along with a qualitative analysis of the European Informational environment. Furthermore, observation techniques and data collection is curried out in existing information repositories and their design and operation as a means of publishing mechanisms. Expected Results: It is anticipated that a further development of Institutional repositories will expand the Information Organizations’ e-content. This will gradually take over grounds traditionally belonging to the publishing industry. Libraries as key organizations in their establishment and management should promote their development. It is expected that the aforementioned techniques will enhance research communication via library infrastructures. Furthermore, we believe that libraries will be in a position to reevaluate the economics of information into the European Information Society. Conclusion/ Suggestions: It is evident that in order to manage the electronic material in Information Organizations using repository techniques, cooperation at national and international level is needed. Also, a strongly related policy among Europeans, regarding scientific e-content and a common approach to its financial treatment is also of essence. As a result, Information Organizations will produce qualitative and added value services and products.