The O2 within the COAR international network of open access repositories

Coinciding with the recent presentation of the UOC Open Knowledge Action Plan, and in keeping with the tools and processes the University must carry out for a model more committed to scientific knowledge as a public asset, the UOC has become a member of the Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR).

"By forming part of COAR, the university can join forces with others to face up to the current challenges in scholarly communication," said Clara Riera, director of Library Services for Research at the UOC. The high costs of publication or the uncontrolled levels of competition in the current system represent some of the greatest challenges.

COAR is an international association with over 140 members and partners worldwide that represent libraries, universities, research institutions, government funders, repository networks and others. Its mission is to improve the visibility and application of the research results through a global network of open access repositories based on international cooperation and interoperability.

Therefore, from now on, the UOC's open access institutional repository, O2, forms part of this global network of repositories. The benefits of being a COAR member include:

• Forming part of the biggest open access repositories network in the world.
• Enhancing the UOC’s profile and promoting events, activities and successes.
• Having access to experts and practical advice on technical and political issues.
• Being up to date with future developments.
• Contributing to strategic developments within the repositories community.

Membership of this association comes at a key moment for COAR, as it coincides with the presentation of its new Strategic Directions 2019-2021 and the Work Plan 2019, both published during International Open Access Week.

Author

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  Sandra Pérez

  Operative subgroup: Communication and projects Operative group: Library Development