How researchers use the academic publication system for research communication - results from the research project “Open Access in Vocational Education and Training Research”

Abstract

"The research project 'Open Access in Vocational Education and Training Research' investigates the significance of the Open Access (OA) publication model from the perspective of authors in vocational education and training (VET) research. The research project combines group discussions and an online survey to explore conditions for the use, acceptance and dissemination of OA among VET authors. First results from the project indicate that respondents prefer to disseminate their publications digitally and free of charge. Respondents also attach particular importance to digital and permanent access to literature, both with regard to the dissemination of their research and the use of publications for their academic work. Major selection criteria identified by respondents when using literature as readers are reputation, academic rigour and direct availability of publications. Only a third state that they search specifically for OA publications. Just over half of the respondents also do not notice whether the literature they access online is available OA. The majority of respondents find that they do not receive less recognition for their digital publications than they do for their printed works. Moreover, less than half agree with the statement that printed works symbolise a higher value than digital publications. The article shows that the visibility of OA in the community of VET researchers can still be increased. The results of the research project provide several possible approaches to address this task." (Authors' abstract, BIBB-Doku)