Open Access to Knowledge and Information: Scholarly Literature and Digital Library Initiatives – the South Asian Scenario

This publication gives an overview of various digital library and open access initiatives in South Asia. The publication has its origins in the recommendations and proceedings of conferences and workshops where information professionals from the sub‐region demonstrated their projects. The content is arranged in six separate divisions: Digital Library Initiatives, Open Courseware Initiatives, Open Access Journals, Metadata Harvesting Services, National Level Open Access Repositories, and Institutional Repositories, and the individual projects are grouped under these main sections. Brief descriptions and full‐colour screen shots of all the initiatives or products are provided. The book contains a helpful index.

Because the work focuses on giving examples of the products within their specific local or national context only, this is not the type of publication, which would appeal to a wide audience. In addition, the lack of information on possible applications in other areas, and the lack of any scholarly discourse on the types of product within their respective worldwide contexts, could be construed as limitations with regard to the book's usefulness for institutions and practitioners in general.

However, if one considers the dire need for information in developing countries, and the opportunities that open access and similar products offer for bridging the digital divide, this book could be of value for that specific market. It contains practical examples of successful initiatives undertaken in countries such as India, traditionally regarded as less developed or under privileged; and other countries in similar situations may find inspiration from these examples to emulate and/or embark on entering this new world of scholarly communication.