Open Access
/ˈoʊpən ˈæksɛs/
Definitions
- (n.) The principle or practice of providing unrestricted, free legal or scholarly access to information or publications, often in digital formats, without paywalls or other barriers.
The university adopted an open access policy to ensure all its legal research is freely available online.
Forms
- open access
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'open access' primarily relates to the legal frameworks governing information dissemination, emphasizing removal of traditional copyright or licensing barriers; it is important to distinguish from 'public access' which may refer more generally to physical or limited digital access rights.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.