Future of resource sharing in Turkey: can open access be an alternative?

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current status of open access initiatives in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach - The author has conducted extensive research on the subject which is supplemented by his own professional experience with resource sharing activities in Turkey. Findings - Turkish libraries first ventured into the open access arena in late 2005 and have since made great strides by implementing dozens of institutional repositories and a national thesis center as well. Open access has a bright future in Turkey because of its promise for eliminating barriers to scientific information and reducing the costs of scholarly publication. Originality/value - The author is one of a small cadre of experts on resource sharing and open access efforts in Turkey.