This post was guest authored by Susan Ariew, University Librarian, and Evan Fruehauf, Assistant Librarian, of the Research & Instruction intercampus department
Within the academic community—faculty, staff, and students—there exists what is commonly referred to as “information privilege.” This term describes the ability to access a wealth of scholarly and peer-reviewed materials that are often unavailable to the general public. Through institutional subscriptions, members of the university can retrieve high-quality academic research from specialized databases, e-books, peer-reviewed journals, and streaming video collections (Evanson & Hare, 2018). However, this privilege is largely limited to those currently affiliated with an academic institution, leaving many outside of the university—such as alumni, independent researchers, and professionals—without access to these critical resources.
This gap in access becomes particularly evident when students graduate. While they may have relied on the university’s vast research infrastructure throughout their education, they often face a sudden and significant loss of access upon leaving. Many former students and community researchers find themselves struggling to obtain the same level of credible information they once enjoyed. In the past, the USF Libraries sought to provide some continuity in research access by offering a limited set of services to the public, including a Special Borrower’s Card for print materials (available for a fee), designated research workstations within the library building where users could access electronic resources on-site, and access to library public spaces. However, these services did not provide the level of access many researchers and alumni needed for ongoing scholarship or professional practice.
EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH OPEN ACCESS
Recognizing this challenge, USF librarians have taken proactive steps to support researchers outside of the academy by developing resources that leverage the growing availability of open research. Open research refers to scholarly materials that are freely accessible to the public, often published in open-access journals or deposited in digital repositories. Over the past decade, the adoption of open-access publishing has grown significantly. In 2013, only 11% of scholarly articles were freely available; by 2023, that figure had climbed to 38%, reflecting a major shift in academic publishing priorities (International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers, 2024). This increase in open-access scholarship means that a wealth of high-quality research is now available outside traditional paywalls, benefiting both independent researchers and professionals in various fields.
To help users navigate this expanding landscape of open-access materials, USF librarians have developed a comprehensive guide to Open Research. This curated resource includes:
- Open-access article databases
- Links to reputable open-access journals
- Digital repositories housing scholarly research
- Discovery tools designed for finding freely available academic content
- Scholarly e-books and open educational resources
- Browser extensions, such as Unpaywall, that identify free versions of paywalled articles
- AI-driven research tools, such as Elicit, which assist users in finding and synthesizing relevant scholarly work
By combining these discovery tools with accessible research strategies, the guide empowers users to continue their scholarly and professional research beyond their time at USF. Previously, the process of locating open research could be time-consuming and complex, requiring significant effort to sift through various sources. Now, with the aid of AI-enabled discovery tools and streamlined repositories, independent researchers and practitioners can more efficiently access the latest studies relevant to their work.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFELONG RESEARCH
In addition to creating resources for open research, librarians at USF have been actively engaged in workshops and instructional sessions designed to prepare graduating students for post-university research. Many alumni, particularly those in research-intensive fields, require continued access to scholarly materials in their professional lives. For instance, educators, social workers, healthcare professionals, and industry researchers all depend on evidence-based literature to inform their work, solve problems, and stay current with developments in their fields.
By integrating these instructional efforts with open-access tools, the USF Libraries are not only addressing immediate research needs but also fostering lifelong learning habits. The ability to continuously seek out, evaluate, and apply credible information is essential for professionals navigating complex and evolving industries.
LOOKING FORWARD
The USF Libraries’ commitment to open research and lifelong learning reflects a broader shift in the academic landscape—one that prioritizes equitable access to knowledge. While traditional research databases remain locked behind institutional paywalls, the continued growth of open-access publishing, combined with innovative discovery tools, is bridging the gap for those individuals outside academia.
By equipping students, alumni, and independent researchers with the skills and resources necessary to locate high-quality open research, the Libraries are ensuring that scholarship remains accessible, applicable, and impactful long after individuals leave the university. This initiative not only extends the university’s mission of knowledge dissemination but also empowers professionals and researchers to stay informed, engaged, and effective in their respective fields.
References
Hare, S., & Evanson, C. (2018). Information Privilege Outreach for Undergraduate Students. College & Research Libraries, 79(6), 726. doi:https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.79.6.726
International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM). (2024). The STM Open Access Dashboard. STM. https://www.stm-assoc.org/oa-dashboard/