Indian Academic Librarians’ Role in Advancing Open Science Practices

Abstract The study explores the role of Indian academic library professionals in advancing Open Science (OS), focusing on their familiarity with OS practices, challenges faced, and training needs. Open Science, encompassing transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in research, requires active participation from libraries as facilitators. A survey among 362 library professionals from Indian academic institutions reveals that while professionals exhibit moderate familiarity with Open Science tools and practices such as open-access publishing, data sharing, and collaborative platforms, significant gaps persist in technical expertise and institutional support. Challenges include limited resources, insufficient infrastructure, lack of awareness, and stakeholder resistance to change. The study highlights the evolving roles of librarians in promoting OS, including data curation, policy advocacy, and researcher training. However, inconsistent adoption of OS practices and barriers like inadequate funding and unclear institutional policies hinder progress. Training in technical skills, advocacy, and open data management is critical to empower librarians to support OS initiatives effectively. The findings underscore the importance of institutional support, infrastructural improvements, and targeted training programs to enhance the library profession’s contribution to the Open Science movement in India.