Summary & Final Thoughts

IN SUMMARY

As we’ve seen since 2001, numerous initiatives have been launched which provide free or highly discounted access to scientific journals. The beneficiaries of these initiatives are non-profit institutions in developing nations. In addition to the “big three” that we have looked at-HINARI, AGORA, and OARE-there are many others including a major initiative by JSTOR and PubMed. Many of these initiatives are a result of partnerships between large organizations and publishing companies. The goals of each of these programs are similar. They strive to improve the lives of those living in developing nations by providing access to information on health, agricultural, and environmental issues. Those individuals with access to this information include students, researchers, policymakers, and educators.

The criteria which is used to determine the type of access that a nation receives is very similar for HINARI, AGORA, and OARE. All three of these initiatives use data from the World Bank which shows the nation’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. HINARI and OARE provide free access to countries with a GNI below $1250 whereas AGORA provides free access for those whose GNI is below $1000. In addition, HINARI and OARE charge $1000 per year for countries whose GNI is between $1250 and $3500 whereas AGORA charges $1000 per year for countries whose GNI is between $1000 and $3000. The process to acquire access to the journals is the same for these three programs. Institutions in qualified countries must fill out a registration form which must then be approved. After approval, they will receive a password to the databases and can then begin accessing the journals.

THE GROWTH OF HINARI, AGORA, and OARE

Research4Life, which is the collective name given to HINARI, AGORA, and OARE, reports that as of May 2009, these programs have grown dramatically. HINARI has registered 3,866 institutions in 108 countries since its launch in 2002, and since 2006 has grown by 61% (Scholarly Communications Report, 11). Access is now provided to over 6,300 medical and health journals (Scholarly Communications Report, 11). AGORA, which was established in 2003, has also grown since 2006. They have seen an increase of 77% and now have 1,760 institutions registered with access to 1,276 science journals (Scholarly Communications Report, 11). OARE has registered 1,500 institutions since its launch in 2006, which is a 700% increase (Scholarly Communications Report, 11). In total, over 155 publishers now participate in these initiatives, some of the largest of these being Elsevier, Wiley-Blackwell, and Springer (Scholarly Communications Report, 11).

CHALLENGES

Although these programs continue to grow, we have also seen that many challenges remain. Many developing nations have inadequate facilities and technological infrastructure. In some cases, internet access is still obtained via dial-up connection. In addition, many individuals in these nations don’t possess the skills needed to use and manage digital resources. In some cases, there is also a lack of support from the institutions that could benefit from these resources. The situation is slowly improving, but these types of changes take time.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LIBRARIANS

Clearly these developing nations initiatives are something that librarians should at least be aware of. Some of us may end up interning or working at libraries in other countries where knowledge of these programs would be beneficial. It is more likely, however, that some of us may end up interning or working at publishing companies or large organizations here in the United States which organize and launch these types of initiatives. It is, therefore, important that we understand the purpose and goals of these programs. Also, some journals can be accessed for free through these databases even if your nation is not on the list of developing nations which means that libraries here in the United States can take advantage of these resources.

The existence of these programs also brings up the question of how librarians feel about developing nations receiving free or highly discounted access while libraries here in the United States (many of which are experiencing budget cuts) are paying for access to these journals. I was unable to locate any quotes from librarians about these programs, but I spoke to several on my own who didn’t have a problem with these initiatives. In my opinion, these initiatives are helpful and important. Those of us who live in the United States can obtain pretty much any journal article that we want because even if our library doesn’t have access to a particular database, we can request the article through interlibrary loan. Meanwhile, those who live in developing nations can’t access articles in the medical, agricultural, and environmental fields which contain vital information that can help these countries provide healthcare, food, and a safe living environment for their citizens. This knowledge can translate to action which can improve the quality of life for the citizens of these nations and may ultimately lead them to prosperity. I believe those of us that are in a position to help others, should do so.

REFERENCES

“Growth of OARE, HINARI and AGORA.” Scholarly Communications Report. V 13: 5 May 2009, 11.