Implementation of the open access concept in medical libraries as exemplified by the UMedical Reports series

Abstract

One of the initiatives at the Medical University of Łódź promoting the open access concept is publishing the UMedical Reports (UMR) series of monographs. This project stands out on a national scale due to the series’ unique profile. Three Information and Library Centre (CIB) librarians are actively involved in the publishing process. This study aims to explore the publishing activity of medical libraries in the context of Open Access and to compare the UMR publishing initiative with similar projects in Poland and worldwide. The comparative method was used to examine the activities of medical libraries and the UMR publishing series in the context of Open Access policy. A diagnostic interview was conducted to thoroughly analyse the genesis and current activities of UMR. UMR publishing activities to date were also evaluated using SWOT heuristic analysis, taking into account findings from the interview with the editor’s secretary. Analysis of activities conducted by medical academic libraries worldwide and in Poland showed that many foreign institutions conduct similar activities, but materials on biomedical topics are not often published by libraries, which underscores the unique character of the UMR series. A detailed analysis of UMR activities to date facilitated identification of areas requiring improvement, as well as highlighting valuable aspects of the project.