From bottom up to top down survey: Researchers in the engineering sciences expect clear framework conditions for Open Access and Open Educational Resources from university management

Umfrage: Forschende der Ingenieurwissenschaften erwarten klare Rahmenbedingungen von den Hochschulleitungen bei Open Access und Open Educational Resources

Abstract

AAt most universities, services related to Open Access publishing are now well established, while Open Educational Resources usually play a subordinate role. It can be observed that OA services are perceived differently in individual subject areas. Due to their application orientation, the engineering sciences are usually well funded because of industrial cooperation. As a result, they are less dependent on public third-party funding which may be a reason for the comparatively small number of OA publications. Additionally, the engineering sciences have not been especially targeted by OA services. For this reason, a survey was conducted as a part of the OpenIng project in order to investigate the publication behaviour of engineers and as a basis for developing targeted services. The survey shows, among other things, that OA awareness does exist, but often does not lead to OA publications. Among other things, the general conditions as to when and how OA can be published are often unclear. In addition, the engineers want a clear mandate for OA from the university management.