Open Access Publishing And Institutional Repositories Training Course

Introduction

The Open Access Publishing and Institutional Repositories Training Course is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for managing and promoting open access publishing and institutional repositories. As academic institutions and libraries around the world continue to adopt open access models, understanding how to facilitate access to research outputs, manage institutional repositories, and navigate the landscape of open access publishing is becoming essential. This course covers key aspects such as the benefits of open access, repository management strategies, copyright issues, and the global open access movement.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for professionals in academic libraries, research institutions, publishers, and any organization involved in the management, dissemination, and archiving of research outputs. Specifically, it is tailored for:

• Librarians and Information Managers
• Researchers and Academics
• Publishing Professionals
• Repository Managers and Administrators
• Open Access Advocates and Policy Makers
• Graduate Students in Library and Information Science or related fields

Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of academic publishing and digital repository systems.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Understand Open Access Publishing: Gain in-depth knowledge of the open access publishing model, its significance, and how it supports the global sharing of knowledge.
• Navigate Institutional Repositories: Learn the role and functionality of institutional repositories, including their management and integration with open access platforms.
• Implement Open Access Policies: Develop strategies for establishing and promoting open access policies within their institutions.
• Manage Copyright and Licensing: Acquire knowledge of copyright laws, Creative Commons licenses, and other relevant intellectual property issues in open access publishing.
• Promote Open Access to Research: Understand the strategies to promote open access research outputs effectively and how to make them accessible to a global audience.
• Evaluate Open Access Journals and Repositories: Learn how to evaluate the quality and impact of open access journals and repositories, ensuring that they meet institutional and academic standards.
• Address Technical and Ethical Challenges: Discuss common technical and ethical challenges faced in the open access publishing process and institutional repository management, and identify solutions to overcome these barriers.

Through this course, participants will be equipped with the necessary skills to enhance open access practices in their institutions, promote the dissemination of scholarly works, and contribute to the global movement of accessible, free-to-read research.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to Open Access Publishing

• Definition and Importance of Open Access
• The Open Access Movement: A Historical Overview
• Types of Open Access: Green, Gold, Hybrid, and Diamond

Understanding Institutional Repositories

• Purpose and Benefits of Institutional Repositories
• Types of Repositories and their Functions
• Institutional Repository Management and Policies

The Global Open Access Landscape

• Key Organizations Supporting Open Access (e.g., OASPA, SPARC, UNESCO)
• International Agreements and Initiatives (e.g., Budapest Open Access Initiative, Plan S)
• Role of Governments and Funding Agencies in Promoting Open Access

Open Access Journal Publishing Models

• Understanding Journal Publication Models
• Open Access vs. Subscription-based Models
• Hybrid Journals and Their Implications

Repository Software and Platforms

• Common Repository Platforms (e.g., DSpace, EPrints, Fedora)
• Key Features of Repository Software
• Setting Up and Customizing Institutional Repositories

Copyright and Licensing in Open Access

• Copyright Law in Open Access Publishing
• Creative Commons Licenses and Their Applications
• Managing Copyrights for Authors and Institutions

Metadata Standards for Repositories

• Importance of Metadata in Open Access Repositories
• Common Metadata Standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MARC, MODS)
• Best Practices for Metadata Creation and Management

Repository Curation and Content Management

• Curating Research Outputs: Selection and Preservation
• Versioning and Managing Updates to Research
• Archiving Best Practices and Compliance with Long-term Access Requirements

Open Access Policies and Advocacy

• Developing Open Access Policies for Institutions
• Key Policy Issues in Open Access Publishing
• Advocacy and Promoting Open Access Within the Institution and Globally

Open Access and Research Impact

• Measuring the Impact of Open Access Publications
• Citation Metrics and Altmetrics in Open Access Research
• Tools for Evaluating Research Impact (e.g., Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate)

The Economics of Open Access Publishing

• Funding Models for Open Access: APCs, Institutional Repositories, and Subsidies
• Cost Implications for Authors, Institutions, and Publishers
• Sustainable Business Models in Open Access Publishing

Building and Managing an Institutional Repository

• Steps in Setting Up a Repository: Planning, Implementation, and Maintenance
• Repository Policies and Compliance
• Engaging Faculty and Researchers in Repository Usage

Ensuring Quality Control in Open Access

• Peer Review Processes in Open Access Journals
• Ensuring High-Quality Submissions
• Dealing with Predatory Publishers and Journals

Open Access and Ethical Issues

• Ethical Challenges in Open Access Publishing
• Plagiarism, Data Sharing, and Research Integrity
• Privacy and Confidentiality in Open Access Repositories

Future Trends in Open Access Publishing

• Innovations in Open Access Publishing Technologies
• The Role of AI and Blockchain in Open Access
• Emerging Trends: Open Data, Open Peer Review, and Open Science

This course structure aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the open access publishing landscape, institutional repositories, and how these elements work together to enhance the global dissemination of research. Participants will be equipped with both the practical tools and the theoretical knowledge to effectively manage and promote open access initiatives in their institutions.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training