Widening open access: EKT as a case-study for an innovative content distribution model

Abstract

Objective: The National Documentation Centre (EKT) plays a pivotal role in the collection and dissemination of scientific and cultural content in Greece and beyond. The paper focuses on the innovative distribution model which funnels structural funds (from national and European projects) into a robust infrastructure comprising of developmental initiatives and cloud-native digital services, with a scope to collect, curate and publish a growing volume of open access digital content.

Background: Traditionally, research centers are not content-agnostic, opting to focus on either cultural or science content. Our innovation is based on an integrated methodological approach and a common work-flow oriented towards a blended dissemination model. We collect both primary material and various scientific resources and output and circulate them with the widest possible CC licenses and open access principles for education, re-use, life-long learning and research. This open licensed content amassed by EKT enables the deployment of a multitude of activities, work flows and synergies which enhance learning, inspiration and citizen participation in the scientific process and cultural sharing. In addition, the added value applications and services provided to end users form a digital research environment that facilitates open and citizen science in the broader sense.

Methods: Describes the networked distribution model supported by the organizational strategy, present the full spectrum of digital services (EKT’s aggregators, SearchCulture.gr & OpenArchives.gr, the repositories service, openABEKT, ePublishing services, indexes and other research aids etc) offered to the communities of GLAMs, research and academia, the educational community, other libraries and the public. The paper will present the integrated workflow which aggregates, validates and publishes open access digital content generated by diverse communities of practice and the semantic enrichment which adds value and conceptual integrity to curated digital content.

Conclusion: This innovative operational framework is further leveraged by participating in European consortiums and EU-funded projects, enabling EKT to act as a facilitator of inclusive and open circulation of knowledge in and for society at local and European level.