Assessment of Open Access Policies in Institutional Repositories of Selected University Libraries in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Statement of the Problem. Institutional Repositories (IRs) are vital infrastructures for scholarly communication, enhancing research visibility and promoting equitable knowledge access. In Southeast Asia, policy standardization remains varied despite increasing adoption of open access (OA) policies driven by regional and international initiatives. This study aims to assess the OA policies governing IRs in selected university libraries across the region and to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

Methods. This study employs a qualitative content analysis approach and systematically examines publicly available OA policy documents from eight AUNILO member institutions. The thematic coding framework focuses on key components such as copyright and licensing, self-archiving mandates, embargo periods, access restrictions, metadata, preservation, and policy clarity.

Results. Findings highlight strengths in documentation for some institutions, while others demonstrate reliance on informal practices or limited accessible policies. The analysis reveals variations across components such as licensing, mandates, and preservation, reflecting the broader inconsistency in OA policy development within the region.

Originality. The study offers recommendations for policy harmonization and capacity building, contributing to more consistent and effective open access practices within the region’s academic landscape. It provides a systematic examination of OA policy documents across AUNILO member institutions, addressing an area where comprehensive comparative analysis remains limited.