Sorry for the cross posting
Communiqué: International repository networks reinforce their aim to develop a
global, open access knowledge commons
May 7, 2015: For a second year in a row, major open access repository networks
have met to develop closer ties and further align their expanding repository
networks. The meeting, organized by the Confederation of Open Access
Repositories (COAR), was held on April 16, 2015 in Porto, Portugal and included
representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Amidst the intensifying global debate about the most sustainable ways to
implement open access and research infrastructures, meeting participants
reinforced their aim to foster solutions that reflect the diversity of
approaches and capacities across different regions.
Repository networks are being developed around the world to support open access
to research outputs. However, given the truly international and collaborative
nature of research, these networks must be connected and aligned around issues
such as policy, standards and services. At the meeting, delegates shared
updates about their local networks. Many networks have evolved significantly
over the last year and are now in a better position to collaborate more deeply.
The group also reviewed the progress of the aligning repository networks
activities since their meeting last year. Specific outcomes from the previous
year’s work include the publication of a joint statement
<https://www.coar-repositories.org/activities/advocacy-leadership/aligning-repository-networks-across-regions/statement-about-embargo-periods/>
against embargo periods, the launch of a technical working group seeking to
harmonize open access elements and metadata schemas, and improved visibility of
repository networks worldwide.
Participants also discussed priorities for further aligning their networks for
the coming year. Activities will include closer cooperation around the
development of guidelines and tools, and several bilateral collaborations
between networks were suggested. In addition, it was agreed that a
communication strategy be developed to continue to raise the visibility of
repository networks as key infrastructure components. Support was also
expressed for further engaging with policy makers and other stakeholders to
ensure adoption of balanced open access policies.
COAR will work with the community to accomplish these activities in the coming
year. A full list of participants and a report about the meeting will be
available soon on the COAR website <https://www.coar-repositories.org/>.
For more information, contact Kathleen Shearer, Executive Director, COAR
(kathleen.shea...@coar-repositories.org
<mailto:kathleen.shea...@coar-repositories.org>)
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