Open Access and Open Science Principles in Ukraine: What Researchers Think and How Librarians Can Help (Based on Selected Results from a 2025 Sociological Survey)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15802/unilib/2025_347122Keywords:
open science, open access, research data management, FAIR principles, institutional policies, research infrastructure, universities, libraries, UkraineAbstract
Objective. To examine the attitudes of Ukrainian researchers toward open access principles, open science, and research data management, as well as the role of libraries in promoting open science principles and practices, based on selected results from a sociological survey conducted by the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine in April-August 2025. Methods. The study involved 702 respondents from various scientific disciplines and academic institutions, with librarians comprising nearly 10% of participants. The survey aimed to assess awareness levels, current practices, and readiness to implement open science approaches. Results. The findings demonstrate generally positive attitudes toward open access and open science while revealing limited practical implementation due to infrastructural, regulatory, or cultural barriers. Researchers identified key obstacles to sharing publications and data: lack of technical knowledge, uncertainty about legal aspects, absence of clear institutional policies, and inadequate organizational infrastructure. The survey also revealed significant gaps in researchers' knowledge regarding data management planning and FAIR principles. Academic libraries can and should fill these gaps as key intermediaries in the transition to open science through comprehensive researcher support: advocacy, training, consulting, development of publication and data repositories, assistance in creating metadata and data management plans. Conclusions. Academic libraries in Ukraine continue to actively participate in building open science and implementing its principles and practices. However, to ensure an effective transition to open science, they need to strengthen their role or even lead processes of creating and implementing institutional policies and data management infrastructure, developing systematic training, and providing comprehensive support to researchers at all stages of the research lifecycle.
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