The Impact of Open Archives Initiative on Scientific Communication

Title: The Impact of Open Archives Initiative on Scientific Communication

Abstract: This study investigates the role and impact of the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) in scientific communication, particularly focusing on the Los Alamos e-print archive, known as arXiv. The research highlights the growth and development of arXiv, its involvement in the OAI, and the implementation of the Data Provider side of the OAI protocol version 1.0. The article also discusses the challenges and limitations faced in integrating arXiv with other archives and adapting to the evolving needs of scientific research.

Main Research Question: How has the Open Archives Initiative influenced the dissemination and consumption of scientific research, particularly in the context of the Los Alamos e-print archive (arXiv)?

Methodology: The research is based on a literature review and analysis of the arXiv website and its operations. The study examines the growth and development of arXiv, its involvement in the OAI, and the implementation of the OAI protocol. The research also discusses the challenges and limitations faced in integrating arXiv with other archives and adapting to the evolving needs of scientific research.

Results: The study finds that arXiv has significantly influenced scientific communication by providing a platform for unrefereed author self-archiving and no-fee retrieval of research papers. The archive has grown from serving a few hundred users in 1991 to over 70,000 users worldwide by 2001. arXiv's involvement in the OAI has further expanded its scope and impact on scientific communication. The research also highlights the challenges and limitations faced in integrating arXiv with other archives and adapting to the evolving needs of scientific research.

Implications: The study suggests that the Open Archives Initiative has had a profound impact on scientific communication by facilitating the dissemination and consumption of scientific research. The growth and development of arXiv, its involvement in the OAI, and the implementation of the OAI protocol have all contributed to this impact. However, the study also highlights the challenges and limitations faced in integrating arXiv with other archives and adapting to the evolving needs of scientific research. These challenges underscore the need for continued innovation and adaptation in the field of scientific communication.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0101027v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0101027v1