Abstract
The transformation of Library and Information Science (LIS) through open access (OA) has
significantly altered the publication access, and utilization of research in the academic
community. This study explores the potential of OA to enhance the visibility and impact of
research in LIS based on previous empirical science and current observations of OA platforms. It
discusses how open access has enabled a more equitable and inclusive exchange of LIS research,
and enabled researchers and practitioners all over the world, including developing nations, to
access valuable resources and partake in knowledge bases across the globe. Empirical science
demonstrate that OA LIS publications have improved citation rates and increased scholarly usage
compared to traditional subscription based publications. Open access repositories and
institutional repositories have become the necessary tools for enhancing the visibility of LIS
research, increasing its accessibility, and promoting international collaboration. Existing research
also suggests that OA promotes transparency in research processes, makes ethical publishing
models easier, and promotes the open science movement by making research reproducible and
accessible to the public. This paper synthesizes key conclusions from the literature and offers the
features of current OA platforms that raise research visibility and influence. It discusses the
advantages and disadvantages of OA in LIS, with attention to its capability to transform the
accessibility and breadth of LIS scholarship. The study concludes with recommendations for LIS
professionals and scholars on how to leverage OA to maximize the global reach of their research
and help shape an open, accessible system of scholarly communication in the future.
Keywords: ethical publishing, institutional repositories, international collaboration, Library
and Information Science, open access, open science, research visibility, scholarship impact
Publication Date: 2025-08-03