Open science: Scientists are in favor, what about the librarians?

Abstract

The author  reviews  the  results  of the  survey of the  researchers of the Siberian  Branch of the  Russian Academy  of Sciences  (SB RAS), responses to The State  of Open Data survey of researchers in 192  countries  (2016–2022), and interviews  of the  librarians  of SB RAS scientific  organizations on their  attitude to open science  and its information  support.  The study was accomplished within the research  project  of SB RAS State  Public Scientific and Technological  Library “Development of the  functional  model  of scientific  library in the  open  science  information  ecosystem”. The author  demonstrates that  the  researchers have  been  increasingly  publishing  their  results  in the  open  science  (OS) journals, though  still are  unaware  of  OS types, doubt  OS publications quality, and  beware  data  exchange.  The scientists are  positive  about  open  science  and  an  open  data  (OD) system, OD and open-source software, open  cooperation between researchers, as well as open  peer  reviewing. The study also proves that  the  librarians  have been providing traditional services, not very eager  about  open science support  services, doubt  their necessity  and relevance.  The author  argues  that  the librarians  have to reconsider  their  attitude toward  open  science  support, to explore  new resources, to expand  their  competences, and to build the  system  of integrated information support  of scientific research, which makes the libraries active actors in advancing open science practices.