Glance at the Perception towards Open Access Scholarly Communication: A Meta-Synthesis of the Literature

Abstract

This study aims to precise meta-synthesis review of literature on perception towards Open Access (OA) in recent years and to assess the innovative trends in scholarly communication. A search was conducted on Google Scholar on January 11, 2024. 71 peer-reviewed articles published during 2004–2023 were selected which met the select criteria. From the analysis of the findings of published literature, five perceived factors were identified and discussed: (i) Innovative trends in Scholarly Communication; (ii) Awareness of OA Scholarly Communication; (iii) Use of OA Scholarly Communication; (iv) Motivational factors towards OA; and (v) Hindrance factors towards OA. On the basis of perceived factors, the essence on the perception towards OA from researchers, publishers and research funders were summarised. Generally, researchers have positive perception towards OA scholarly communication. Majority of the researchers depended on OA resources and believed that OA outlets are valuable to publish their work. Despite the fact that OA is seen to have numerous favourable benefits, but it increases a few concerns. Therefore, OA has brought significant change in perspective towards OA scholarly communication. This study contributes to current research on OA Scholarly Communication through offering theoretical advances related with the use and adoption of OA scholarly communication.

Keywords: Scholarly Communication, Open Access (OA), Gold OA, Green OA, Perception, Meta-Synthesis

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