Maggi Mang
First-year Neuroscience
“I think it would be really nice because I don’t see why research and knowledge should just be available to people who can afford it.”
Che-Hsuan Lin
Second-year, undeclared life sciences
“I’m taking lab classes, so I use research journals weekly. I think it depends on what the research is about. People might plagiarize more often, but if people want to learn more it’s actually positive.”
Edgar Rodriquez
Fourth-year Spanish
“I think it’s good because information should be free. Everyone will have access so it’s not restricted for people who can’t afford it.”
Jesus Becerra
Fourth-year, sociology
“I think it’d be a good idea for students, especially if they go off campus and can’t access these journals because of Internet and proxy issues. (Paying for access) ties you to the institution because they’re paying for it. It also makes these resources unavailable to alumni.”
Researchers much prefer open access, because it makes their work more widely available. Barriers to open access invariably come from journal publishers (who want to make money), not from researchers or universities (who want to spread knowledge).