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A Global Mapping of Open Access Policy Registrations: An Analysis of ROARMAP Data

Alpana Saha, Gopalakrishnan Mahesh

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

Indian Journal of Library and Information Sciences 20(2):p 153-158, May - August 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.20226.3

How Cite This Article:

Alpana Saha, Gopalakrishnan Mahesh. A Global Mapping of Open Access Policy Registrations: An Analysis of ROARMAP Data. Ind J Lib Inf Sci 2026; 20 (2): 153–158.

Timeline

Received : February 06, 2026         Accepted : March 11, 2026          Published : August 30, 2026

Abstract

Background: The global shift toward open access (OA) is significantly influenced by national and institutional policies. Methods: This study presents a quantitative analysis of OA policies registered in the Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies (ROARMAP) to understand their geographic and institutional distribution. Data was extracted in August 2021. Results: The analysis revealed 769 registered policies worldwide, with a predominant concentration in Europe (60.21%) and North America (25.75%). Research organizations were the leading policymakers, accounting for 72% of all registrations. The study also notes a correlation between OA policy adoption and the growth of OA journals, with regions having higher policy registrations also leading in OA journal counts. Conclusions: The findings highlight a significant policy divide between developed and developing nations, underscoring the need for inclusive policy frameworks to foster global knowledge equity.

References

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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.

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Cite this article

Alpana Saha, Gopalakrishnan Mahesh. A Global Mapping of Open Access Policy Registrations: An Analysis of ROARMAP Data. Ind J Lib Inf Sci 2026; 20 (2): 153–158.

Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

Received Accepted Published
February 06, 2026 March 11, 2026 August 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijlis.0973.9548.20226.3

Keywords

Open AccessROARMAPOA PoliciesResearch PolicyPolicy RegistrationsGlobal Knowledge Equity

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Timeline

Received February 06, 2026
Accepted March 11, 2026
Published August 30, 2026

licence

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


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