Webinar: How To Be Open – Libraries

• August 12, 2024

Empowering Libraries to Embrace Open Science: An Essential Guide

Libraries are at the core of the scholarly ecosystem, serving as vital gateways to knowledge and resources for researchers, students, and the public. In an era where the demand for accessible and transparent research is growing, libraries play an increasingly critical role in advancing Open Science principles. We are excited to announce an upcoming session titled “How To Be Open: Libraries,” led by Dr. Alwaleed Alkhaja, Head of Open Access and Copyright at Qatar National Library. This session will explore how libraries can actively promote and implement Open Science, ensuring that knowledge is more widely accessible, transparent, and collaborative.

Key Takeaways from the Session

The session will delve into several critical aspects that are essential for libraries aiming to adopt Open Science practices. Here’s what participants can expect to learn:

1. Implementing Open Access Policies:
Participants will gain practical insights into how libraries can adopt and enforce open access policies. These policies are crucial for ensuring that both staff and patrons benefit from unrestricted access to a wealth of information. By embracing open access, libraries can support a culture of sharing and collaboration, which is at the heart of Open Science.

2. Setting Up Open Access Funds:
The session will provide guidance on establishing and managing funds dedicated to supporting open access initiatives. These funds are vital for enabling libraries to support open access publishing and other initiatives that promote the free exchange of knowledge.

3. Read and Publish Agreements:
Participants will learn about the intricacies of negotiating and implementing read and publish agreements. These agreements are designed to facilitate open access publishing, ensuring that researchers and institutions alike can benefit from the dissemination of research findings without financial barriers.

4. Developing Institutional Repositories:
The importance of creating and maintaining institutional repositories will be a key focus. These repositories play a crucial role in preserving and openly disseminating scholarly work, making it accessible to a global audience. This not only enhances the visibility of research but also contributes to the broader goals of Open Science.

5. Making Digitised Content Accessible:
Finally, the session will cover strategies for making digitised content more accessible to the public. By improving access to digital collections, libraries can significantly extend the reach and impact of their resources, making valuable information available to a broader audience.

Addressing Unique Challenges and Opportunities in the Arab States

One of the session’s primary goals is to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by libraries in the Arab states as they strive to achieve varying levels of openness. By discussing these region-specific issues, the session aims to empower libraries to become more open, transparent, and collaborative in their approach to knowledge dissemination.

Who Should Attend?

This event is particularly valuable for librarians, open access managers, consortium managers, heritage library managers, open science advocates, and repository managers. By bringing together these diverse stakeholders, the session aims to foster a collaborative environment that advances the cause of Open Science within the library community.

In conclusion, “How To Be Open: Libraries” promises to be an enriching and empowering experience, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools needed to transform their libraries into hubs of open, accessible, and collaborative research. By embracing these principles, libraries can continue to play a pivotal role in the scholarly ecosystem, ensuring that knowledge is freely available to all.

For more information and registration, click here.