The University Library invites you to participate in our 2018 International Open Access Week calendar of events. This year’s theme is “designing equitable foundations for open knowledge.” This timely topic reflects a scholarly communication system in transition as, currently, governments, funders, universities, publishers, and academics are increasingly adopting open policies and practices.
Wikipedia and Wikidata Learning Events
These two learning events are designed to bring together existing Wikipedia/Wikidata users and contributors within the KAUST community with those interested in exploring these tools, with the intention of participating in the improvement of these essential, global resources.
Both sessions will open with an introductory presentation. Following this, participants will work on hands-on activities in small groups. These groups will be organized based on the specific topics of interest participants enter on their registration forms. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops and to sign up for a Wikipedia account before attending. Attendees can participate in either one or both sessions. More details here.
The schedule is as follows:
- Wikipedia: Monday, October 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
- Wikidata: Wednesday, October 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
At the University Library, level 3, Sea View room
Register here.
There is limited availability: registration will close once the maximum number of attendees is reached. We recommend that you register early.
Lunch, for registered participants, will be provided after both sessions.
Documentary Film Screening
Paywall: The Business of Scholarship
This documentary, produced and directed by Jason Schmitt (Chair of the Communication & Media Department at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY), explores how essential open access is to the future of scientific education and research. It questions the rationale behind the $25.2 billion a year cash flow generated by for-profit academic publishers, examines the 35-40% profit margin associated with the top academic publisher, Elsevier, and shows how that profit margin is often greater than some of the most profitable tech companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google.
It is an essential viewing for anyone involved in the future of scientific research.
Tuesday, October 16 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. in Building 1 (desert side), level 2, multi-purpose room (MPR).
A short Q&A session after the screening.
Refreshments will be available from 4:15 p.m.
No registration is required.
For more information, please visit the Open Access Week website or contact us at library@kaust.edu.sa.
The University Library Team