Kaushal Chauhan,
- Librarian, Department of Library and Information Science, , MDSD College, Ambala City, Haryana, India
Abstract
The growth of open-access e-journals in the field of Library and Information Science represents a transformative shift today. Open-access journals provide unrestricted access to peer-reviewed research, enabling Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals, researchers, and students worldwide to access required knowledge without subscription barriers. This study evaluates open-access (OA) e-journals in the field of LIS, assessing their accessibility, quality, and impact. Objectives: The main objectives of the study are to identify and categorize prominent OA e-journals in LIS; evaluate their quality based on indexing, impact factors, and peer-review standards; analyze their accessibility in terms of licensing models and assess their impact on academic research. Methods: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. A sample of top-ranked LIS OA e-journals was selected to evaluate. Results: The analysis indicates that OA e-journals in LIS generally meet high standards for accessibility, with the majority adopting Creative Commons licensing. Many journals are indexed in reputable databases, enhancing visibility and academic impact. Findings also show that OA e-journals contribute significantly. Conclusion: OA e-journals in LIS play a crucial role in expanding access to research and facilitating knowledge sharing among scholars and practitioners. Despite challenges in maintaining rigorous peer-review and achieving high-impact factors, the overall trend shows promising growth in quality and accessibility. This paper has significant practical utility as it helps librarians optimize collection development, reduce costs, and promote high-quality resources; for researchers and students, it ensures free access to scholarly content, enhances publication opportunities, and supports skill development. Policymakers can use such studies to advocate open science and evaluate the impact of OA initiatives. LIS educators benefit by integrating findings into curricula and using them as case studies. Additionally, publishers can refine their models for sustainability and innovation. Overall, the study fosters global knowledge sharing, affordability, and equitable access to resources.
Keywords: E-resources, e-journals, open-access e-resources, open-access e-journals, LIS e-journals, free to access e-journals, open educational e-resources, publicly available LIS e-journal
[This article belongs to Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences ]
Kaushal Chauhan. An Analysis of Open-Access E-Journals in Library and Information Science. Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences. 2025; 12(03):39-56.
Kaushal Chauhan. An Analysis of Open-Access E-Journals in Library and Information Science. Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences. 2025; 12(03):39-56. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joals/article=2025/view=234548
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Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 03 |
| Received | 09/08/2025 |
| Accepted | 12/09/2025 |
| Published | 22/09/2025 |
| Publication Time | 44 Days |
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