The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present the influence open access initiatives (OAIs) have on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on part of a doctoral research project which examined the crisis in scholarly communication and its effect on university libraries in South Africa that was carried out at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from 2005 to 2009. Part of the investigation focused on open access (OA) and how it influenced journal cancellations. The survey methodology was adopted and the study used a quantitative approach to collect data on the influence of OA.

Findings

The findings revealed that OAIs had a very limited influence on journal cancellations in South African university libraries.

Practical implications

The study presents data that can be used by university libraries to develop, support and facilitate access to local research.

Originality/value

The study provides data on which future developments in OA as a solution to university library journal cancellations could be based.

Citation

Geraldine Hoskins, R. (2013), "The influence of open access on journal cancellations in university libraries in South Africa", The Electronic Library, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 574-592. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-10-2011-0142