By “open access” to [peer-reviewed research literature], we mean its free availability on the public internet, permitting any users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of these articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without financial, legal, or technical barriers other than those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself. The only constraint on reproduction and distribution, and the only role for copyright in this domain, should be to give authors control over the integrity of their work and the right to be properly acknowledged and cited.
(The definition of OA introduced in the original BOAI- Budapest Open Access Initiative)
Enabling open access to the country's scholarly output presents a major challenge for the National Documentation Centre of Greece (EKT). EKT ePublishing is pleased to offer publishers and authors the option to publish their research in open access and ensure that everyone can read, use and trust the latest research.
Open access publishing initiatives today are increasingly supported by international developments, especially developments in the European realm (e.g. EU's recent recommendations for open access to the results of publicly funded research). In addition, rapid developments in the field of technology enable the adoption of open access policies and mark a transition from traditional forms of publishing to alternative forms of open publishing activity.
Today, increasingly publishers and researchers chose to publish with Open Access because it ensures:
Direct and free access to the scientific work
Public dissemination and exploitation of research results –a public good–
Enhanced communication in the scientific community
Increased readability and impact of scientific work at an international level
Long-term preservation of digital content
Contribution to innovation and economic competitiveness
However, no significant step would be feasible without the support of mechanisms that are directly involved in the production and distribution of knowledge (such as universities, research bodies, libraries, funding bodies etc.). In this direction, the National Documentation Centre of Greece (EKT) fulfills its institutional role and mission to organize, reinforce and promote the open distribution of the country's scientific/scholarly production. EKT ePublishing services take advantage of the institutions' technical expertise, knowledge and experience to encourage publishers to adopt open access publishing models and promote the country's scholarly output internationally. EKT ePublishing offers a range of services (open publishing software, advice on copyright issues, counseling etc.) to institutions and bodies which choose the model of open access publishing for books, journals and conference proceedings.
The National Documentation Centre of Greece (EKT) enabling Open Content
Recognizing the numerous benefits of Open Access to scientific publications, EKT supports a range of initiatives and co-ordinates actions that promote the adoption of open access policies and e-Infrastructures at a European level.
Open Publishing: The digital environment of EKT ePublishing aggregates and disseminates a significant volume of peer reviewed and quality assured scientific content (eBooks, eJournals, eProceedings).
Open Software: Adopts open source software to build digital infrastructures (such as repositories) for the distribution of information in science and culture. EKT also participates as a scientific partner in FOSS (Free Open Source Software).
Open Access:Through the National Information System for Research and Technology (NIRST), EKT provides open access to millions of pages with academic and cultural digital content (e.g. repositories, digital libraries etc.). The Centre also maintains and updates a portal dedicated to Open Access (www.openaccess.gr), which successfully contributes to the wider discussion on issues related with Open Access in Greece. Open Access Blog further promotes dialogue on related issues. Organizes conferences, events and targeted information campaigns to increase awareness on the benefits of Open Access across the country’s academic, research community and the wider public.
Open Access Policies: EKT participates in European Projects for the promotion and coordination of open access policies at a regional level e.g. in the Mediterranean Open Access Network (MedOAnet), PASTEUR4OA and RECODE.
Open Educational Resources: EKT develops repositories for the country’s cultural, research and educational institutions, which ensure open access to educational resources.
