Introduction to OAR Portal of SNDT WU
The rapid growth of digital information and the increasing demand for accessible educational resources have significantly transformed academic research and learning environments. Open Access (OA) resources, which offer free and unrestricted access to scholarly publications and educational materials, have emerged as critical tools in this transformation. OA platforms enable researchers, educators, and students to access vital information without the constraints of financial, legal, or technological barriers. These resources include a wide range of academic outputs such as journals, books, articles, theses, and multimedia content, all of which contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the democratization of education.
In response to the growing need for accessible academic content, this research project focuses on the design and development of an Open Access resources web portal for SNDT Women’s University (SNDT WU). The goal is to create a centralized, user-friendly platform that provides easy access to valuable academic resources across various disciplines offered by the university.
This initiative aims to not only support the university's faculty, students, and research scholars but also enhance the overall use and visibility of open access materials within the academic community.
The proposed web portal will serve as a comprehensive and accessible gateway to curated, evaluated, and categorized open access resources, helping users to explore resources beyond traditional library collections. This portal is expected to facilitate more effective learning and research, while also raising awareness about the potential benefits of OA resources. By integrating links to freely available academic materials and providing instructional tools, the portal will promote open access, increase engagement with academic content, and foster a more inclusive academic environment at SNDT WU.
This project is designed not only to address the current needs of SNDT WU’s academic community but also to contribute to the broader movement of open access education and research dissemination. Through its development and implementation, the portal will create a sustainable platform that supports academic growth and ensures the continued relevance of SNDT WU as a leader in promoting open knowledge.
Acknowledgement:
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Anjali Biniwale, Project Assistant, for her invaluable contributions to this project. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the MLISc students of SHPT School of Library Science, SNDT Women’s University, for their dedicated support and involvement. Their collective efforts have significantly enhanced the quality and success of this work.