In order to stimulate the discussion about open access to scientific information, this paper examines an open philosophy, which is related to the use of tools, strategies, methodologies and policies that points out a new way of depicting the scholarly communication process - particularly in terms of publishing - while providing a basis for its interpretation, as well. This new model is based on a growing concern about the availability of knowledge to a greater number of people interested in it. Such knowledge is created as a result of both scientific research (scientific knowledge) and the action of human beings on the society (cultural heritage). The text focuses solely on questions related to open access to scientific knowledge. In this regard, it deals with three issues: the major international initiatives on open access; new business models for scholarly and scientific journals as a response to these initiatives; the role performed by funding agencies in this context, aiming at the validation of these new models. It also introduces into the discussion the issue of disciplinary differences determined by communication patterns within scholarly communities concerning information production, dissemination and use. In conclusion, the paper presents a brief analysis of the impact that the open access movement produces upon the main scholarly communication actors, namely, universities and their researchers, scientific publishers and funding agencies.
Open access; Open philosophy; Scholarly communication; Scientific knowledge; Business models of scholarly and scientific publishers; Funding agencies