“Access to Research”: how UK public libraries are offering access to over 15 million academic articles for free

an article by Jonathan Griffin (PLS, London, UK) published in Interlending & Document Supply Volume 44 Issue 2 (2016)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe a unique service offering by UK public libraries that provides access to over 15 million academic articles for free.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach is descriptive.

Findings
The service has been a success with users, but more training for staff, as well as promotion, is needed.

Social implications
The study will be potentially important for enabling access to a vast amount of published academic articles for a wide section of UK citizens.

Originality/value
The first article on this service is aimed specifically at the LIS community.

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