These FAQs aim to assist users in understanding the purpose, features, and functionality of the Open Access Resources Web Portal, ensuring that they can fully utilize the platform for their academic and research needs.
FAQ’s related to the OAR Portal of SNDT WU
- What is the SNDT WU Open Access Resources Web Portal?
The SNDT WU Open Access Resources Web Portal is a centralized, online platform that provides easy access to a wide range of academic resources and other educational materials that are freely available on the internet. These resources are open access, that is they can be accessed without any restrictions and are free to use, share, and distribute.
- Who can use the SNDT WU Open Access Resources Web Portal?
The portal is designed primarily for the faculty members, research scholars, students, and staff of SNDT Women’s University. However, it is also accessible to users from affiliated colleges and anyone with an internet connection who wants to explore open access resources.
- What types of resources can I find on the portal?
The portal includes a wide variety of link to resources subject wise, such as:
• Academic journals and articles
• E-books and textbooks
• Theses and dissertations
• Conference proceedings
• Research papers and preprints
• Educational videos, images, and audio
• Online courses and lectures
• Syllabi and study materials
- Are all the resources available on the portal free to access?
Yes, all the resources listed on the portal are open access, that is they are free to use, and one can read, download, and share them without any cost or legal restrictions, as long as the content is in the public domain or comes with an open license.
- How do I find specific resources on the portal?
The portal includes a search function that allows you to search for resources by keywords or subjects. Additionally, resources are categorized by subjects to make it easier to navigate and find the materials relevant to academic needs.
- What is the purpose of categorizing resources by subject?
Categorizing resources by subject helps users easily find the materials they need based on their area of study or research. When looking for resources related to Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, or other disciplines, one can browse through the categories for quick access to relevant content.
- Can anyone contribute to the portal or suggest new resources?
Currently, the portal is managed by the university’s designated team. However, faculty members and researchers are encouraged to suggest relevant open access resources that may be added to the portal. Please contact the KRC for recommendation of new additions.
- How do I access the Open Access Resources Web Portal?
Access to the portal is by visiting the official URL provided by the university. The link for Open Access Resources is found under BMK Knowledge Resource Centre. It can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Is there any tutorial available to help me use the portal and understand the topic better?
Yes, the portal includes video tutorials that explain how to navigate the site, search for resources, and make the most of its features. These videos will guide you step-by-step through the portal's functionalities. There are videos that will help to understand Open Access and its related areas.
- Can I save or download resources from the portal?
Yes, most of the resources on the portal are available for download, provided they are open access. You can save them to your device for offline use, and share them freely, as long as you follow the terms of use (which are typically outlined by the resource’s publisher or copyright holder).
- What should I do if I encounter a problem with the portal or any link in particular?
If you experience any technical issues or difficulties, please contact the BMK Knowledge Resource Centre. They will assist you with troubleshooting and resolving any issues.
- Will the portal be updated regularly?
Yes, the portal will be regularly updated to include new resources and improve its features. You will also be notified of any new updates or changes through announcements on the portal.
- How can I contact the administrators of the portal?
You may reach out through email, phone, or Ask a librarian option or personally visit the BMK Knowledge Resource Centre or check Contact section TAB.
- Can I access the portal from outside the university?
Yes, the portal is publicly accessible via the internet, so you can use it from anywhere, whether on or off-campus, as long as you have an internet connection.
- Will the portal be integrated with other university resources in the future?
Yes, future plans include integrating the Open Access Resources Web Portal with the university's catalogue and subscribed resources via Remote Access, allowing for a more comprehensive search experience and better access to both open access and subscribed materials.
FAQ’s related to the Open Access Resources
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What is Open Access, and why is it important for my studies?
Open access (OA) is a movement that promotes free access to scholarly publications online, without copyright and licensing restrictions. -
What are the benefits of Open Access?
Open Access (OA) offers several important benefits for researchers and the public. First, it allows anyone to read and use research articles for free, removing barriers that often limit access to knowledge. This increased accessibility can lead to more citations and greater visibility for researchers, helping them gain recognition in their fields. Second, Open Access promotes cooperation by enabling researchers from different institutions and backgrounds to share and build upon each other's work easily. Finally, it supports transparency in research, allowing the public to engage with scientific findings and encouraging innovation by making knowledge available to all. -
Are Open Access journals credible and peer-reviewed?
Many open access journals are legitimate and peer-reviewed, ensuring excellent research standards comparable to traditional publications. They undergo strict review processes to ensure the research's quality and trustworthiness. Trusted databases, such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Social Science Research Network (SSRN), ArXiv, Open DOAR contain only high-quality, transparent journals, making it easier for consumers to discover credible sources. However, the scholars should be aware of "predatory" publications, which publish without thorough review, often for profit. Overall, reputable open access journals publish accessible, high-quality research that encourages worldwide knowledge sharing. -
How do you know a journal is legitimate?
Guidelines for evaluating journals and publishers
About the journal
• Discover peer reviewed journals using library search tools
• Examine the aims and scope are they appropriate for your research?
• Review past issues: does the content look topical and credible? Are the authors known to you?
• If open access, is it registered in the Directory Of Open Access Journals the DOAJ vets journals before listing them.
• Does the website provide complete contact information: email, street address, working phone number?
• Does it have a valid online?
• Journals are disseminated via research database (academic abstracting and indexing services) such as jstor, pubmed, ebscohost, proquest (even google scholar). A journal website should say where it is indexed
• Has it been assigned ranking(s)? E.g.
• Scimago journal rank indicator
• Journal citation reports
• Journal metrics by scopus
• Are its policies on peer review, open access, copyright publicly available?
• If it charges publication fees, are they clearly stated and explained?
• What are the copyright policies? Like, Can you keep the copyright for your work? If you need to share your research publicly, do the copyright rules allow for that? In many open access journals, authors keep full copyright of their work and give the journal permission to publish it without exclusivity.
About the publisher
• Where is it located? Use SHERPA/ RoMEO to discover details about publishers, including country of origin.
• Website
• Stable web page
• Basic contact info : publisher, contact details, editorial team, editorial/advisory board
• Description: scope and focus, publication frequency, author guidelines
• Fee policy clearly stated
• Free of grammatical errors and typos
• Is there a digital preservation policy ?
• If open access, is it registered with the oaspa (open access scholarly publication association)? Many of the largest open access publishers are members of the oaspa, though there are legitimate open access publishers that do not belong. -
Can I use Open Access resources for my thesis or dissertation?
Yes, you may include Open Access resources in your thesis or dissertation. Open access resources are freely available and do not require a subscription or purchase, making them an invaluable resource for researchers. Many Open Access journals and archives publish peer-reviewed papers, theses, and dissertations that adhere to academic norms. Using these resources can improve the quality of your work by providing a more diverse set of scholarly materials. Always make certain that the Open Access materials used are reliable and appropriately cited in research. -
How does Open Access benefit me as a student?
Open Access (OA) resources are immensely beneficial to students. They offer free access to a wide range of academic resources, eliminating the need to pay for journal articles and books. This implies that students and instructors can share their research with a larger audience, potentially leading to more citations and recognition. OA also encourages collaboration between people from various professions by allowing them to access the same study. Overall, Open Access helps to create a more fair academic environment by allowing anybody, regardless of financial means, to access and profit from high-quality research. -
What should I do if I can't find an Open Access version of an article I need?
If you can't find an Open Access version of a paper you need, find other options like-
Search for the article on platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or institutional repositories, where authors occasionally upload copies.
One can also check with university's library to see if they can obtain it through interlibrary loan or another method.
Contact the author directly; many scholars are ready to share their findings upon request.
Finally, apps like Unpaywall or Open Access Button can help you find legally available copies, if they exist.
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Does Open Access mean I can freely reuse any content?
Open Access (OA) content is designed to be freely available for reading, however it does not always permit free use. The level of reuse permitted is controlled by the author's or publisher's particular licensing agreement. OA articles commonly employ Creative Commons licenses, which describe the conditions for reusing, changing, and sharing the content. Some licenses require acknowledgment of the original author, while others prohibit commercial use or alterations to the work. To understand the reuse limits, readers need read the license or conditions of use for each piece. -
What legal and ethical precautions should be taken care of while citing the articles from in Open Access?
When citing papers from Open Access sites, it is critical to follow legal and ethical guidelines. To avoid plagiarism, always attribute the original author. If the article is Creative Commons licensed , check to see if credit is required, if it may be used commercially, and if it can be changed. Respect any rules imposed by the publisher, as certain articles may not allow reuse. Finally, don't claim someone else's work as your own, and always state where you received the material. Following these procedures ensures that you are using Open Access information properly and fairly.
FAQ’s related to the Free Access Resources
These FAQs can help you understand the guidelines for using free access resources commercially.
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What is copyright, and why do I need to check it before using free access resources commercially?
Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution. Even free access resources may have certain restrictions. Before using or modifying them commercially, it’s essential to ensure you're not infringing on copyright laws and are allowed to use them for your intended purpose. -
How can I know if a free access resource is copyrighted?
While many free access resources are marked with a license (such as Creative Commons or Public Domain), not all are free from copyright. Check the terms and conditions, any attached licenses, and the resource’s source website. Some resources may have restrictions on commercial use or require attribution. -
What is the difference between Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses?
If the resource is licensed under Creative Commons, you need to:
• Check the type of license (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC) and its permissions.
• Comply with attribution requirements (crediting the creator).
• Verify whether commercial use is permitted (some licenses restrict this).
• Ensure you don’t create derivative works if not allowed by the license. -
Can I modify a free access resource for commercial use?
Modifying a free access resource depends on the license. Some licenses allow modifications, while others, like CC BY-NC (Non-Commercial), prohibit it for commercial purposes. Always verify the specific terms and whether modifications are allowed before proceeding. -
What is Fair Use, and can I rely on it to use free access resources commercially?
Fair Use is a provision in copyright law that allows limited use of copyrighted materials without permission for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, education, and research. However, commercial use typically doesn't fall under Fair Use. Always consult legal advice if you intend to rely on Fair Use for commercial purposes. -
Do I need to get permission to use free access resources commercially?
Yes, unless the resource is clearly in the public domain or is under a license that explicitly allows commercial use. For example, CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) resources are free for commercial use without restriction, while other Creative Commons licenses may require you to get permission for commercial use. -
What should I do if I’m unsure about the copyright status of a resource?
If you’re unsure, it's best to:
• Contact the creator or copyright holder to get explicit permission.
• Consult legal professionals to ensure compliance.
• Use resources with clearly defined licenses to reduce risk. -
Can I use a free access resource if I give credit to the creator?
Giving credit may be required for certain licenses, but it's not a guarantee that you can use the resource commercially. Always verify the terms of the license to ensure attribution is sufficient for your intended use, especially for commercial purposes. -
Where can I find copyright-free or royalty-free resources for commercial use?
Websites like Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, and Wikimedia Commons offer resources that are often under public domain or Creative Commons licenses. However, always check each resource’s specific license and terms before using it commercially.