This topic discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Open Access and what they influence. It was something I was aware of but never really fully understood what it meant.   Not having open access is a something that impacts education and scientific sectors and sometimes, prohibits how quickly and how much information gets supplied to both. The problem being due to paywalls and not having enough funding to pay for all of the journals.

In Xiaolu’s blog, she believes a way to fix this is, is through the Government and taxpayers. But I think for the Government to be able to afford to pay for all of the articles is difficult unless there was an increase in tax. Something I’m not sure everyone would be too happy about despite the benefits they achieve. However, she does mention in her blog that taxpayers are able to see the result of their investment with public enrichment, which is scientific and medical research that is paid for through public funds. So perhaps they’d be inclined to pay a little more tax if they truly believe it’s working towards benefitting the education and scientific sectors.

As Davina points out on her blog, even some of the biggest websites that we use to research are starting to charge for usage such as Wikipedia; they don’t receive sponsors so therefore, they rely on donations to keep the website running. However, the donations they are receiving aren’t enough to keep it running. As a result, they are asking their users for donations. But even Wikipedia is a website you have to question if the online articles are as accurate and trustworthy as traditional books. Sure, finding information online is faster and easier to research but is the information you’re looking for correct?

 

Advertisement