At the University of Alberta Library, we are committed to advancing open science practices that revolutionize research conduct and dissemination. Our efforts focus on promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration to enhance the robustness and reproducibility of research.
Facilitating Open Access Publishing
We play a pivotal role in supporting open access publishing at the University of Alberta. Our team negotiates agreements with publishers to reduce or eliminate article processing charges (APCs) for our researchers. These efforts increase the visibility of U of A research and democratize access to knowledge globally.
Enhancing Data Management and Sharing
Effective data management is crucial for open science. We offer comprehensive services to help U of A researchers manage their data throughout the research lifecycle:
- Guidance on creating data management plans
- Data storage solutions, including our Dataverse repository
- Support for sharing data according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
- Our data team is available to assist researchers with open data deposit and management questions.
in Rundle Park, Edmonton on August 27, 2023.
Promoting Citizen Science
We are trying to bridge the gap between U of A researchers and the public. Reach out to your librarian if you are interested in collaborating on a session or using the library space to promote open science/citizen science projects.
Developing Open Infrastructure
The University of Alberta Library is actively involved in creating and maintaining open-source tools and platforms that support open science practices. We host:
- ERA (Education and Research Archive), our institutional repository
- Aviary, an audiovisual platform for controlled access to streaming media
- Open Journal Systems (OJS) for over 60 Canadian open access journals
Supporting Open Educational Resources
We provide support for finding and publishing Open Educational Resources, including open textbooks. Our no-fee publishing services assist U of A faculty in creating or adapting open textbooks and other OER.
Conclusion
As the University of Alberta Library, we are an essential partner in advancing open science on our campus. Our support for open access publishing, data management, public engagement, and open infrastructure development is crucial for creating a more transparent and collaborative research ecosystem at the University of Alberta. We remain committed to shaping the future of scientific communication and discovery through our open science initiatives.
Many thanks to Virginia Pow, Faculty Engagement (Natural + Applied Sciences) for authoring this article.
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