Seven years after the Open Access revolution: (research) libraries as media and knowledge management centres

Abstract

This article is based on the theories elaborated by Kuhn and Easton on, respectively, philosophy of science and the political system. It analyses the impact of open access as a library concept and as an innovative agent within scholarly communication. Traditionally (research) libraries have responded to the demand of the academic communities by providing services related to their general and special needs. Libraries' work has been to acquire, process and disseminate publications created by actors external to their traditional operational scope - publishers. After the open access revolution libraries acquire, process and disseminate publications created within the organization they belong. Their fundamental paradigm has therefore shifted. They have reached the tipping point after which they become knowledge incubators in scientific dissemination and a new medium in the world of communication.