Exploring factors influencing the use of open access resources in India: A novel perspective on Indian researchers

Abstract

This study investigates the use of OA resources among faculty members and research scholars at IITs in North India and explores the factors influencing their engagement with OA resources. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to participants from selected departments across four IITs in North India, resulting in 814 respondents. The study’s conceptual framework is based on the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The findings indicate that while the majority of participants were aware of OA resources, their actual use was limited. Critical determinants for using OA resources were identified, including internet self-efficacy, awareness and attitude toward OA, accessibility, trustworthiness, professional recognition, academic reward, altruism, mandates and culture, and individual traits. Copyright concerns were found to negatively influence OA resource use, while additional time, effort and cost had no significant impact. The study emphasizes the importance of formulating OA policies, promoting awareness and understanding, and addressing copyright concerns to facilitate the effective use of OA resources, thereby benefiting knowledge dissemination and scholarly communication.