Legal information management in an open access ecosystem

Background This paper explores the legal information management in an open access ecosystem with emphasis on how legal information institutes, government agencies, non-governmental agencies, university libraries and other stakeholders enhance access to free legal information resources. Purpose The objectives of the study are to examine the key institutions and stakeholders supporting open access legal information initiatives, to analyses how stakeholders create, manage, and disseminate legal information resources in an open access ecosystem, to investigate the challenges of sustaining open access legal information services. Research Design The study adopted a conceptual research design relying on secondary sources of data by reviewing scholarly articles, books, conference papers, policy documents related to open access legal information management. Result The findings of the study showed that open access is phenomenal in advancing legal scholarship in the digital era by reducing barriers created by subscription based legal information resources. The challenges identified include weak digital infrastructure in developing countries, limited awareness among users, poor funding and dependence on donor support. Conclusion The study concluded that collaboration among stakeholders would promote equitable access to legal scholarship for legal scholars, law students, and the general public. It further recommended increased awareness, adequate budgetary allocation, and supportive government policies to enhance fair access to open legal information resources.