Open Access in Theory and Practice investigates the theory-practice relationship in the domain of open access publication and dissemination of research outputs.

Drawing on detailed analysis of the literature and current practice in OA, as well as data collected in detailed interviews with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, the book discusses what constitutes ‘theory’, and how the role of theory is perceived by both theorists and practitioners. Exploring the ways theory and practice have interacted in the development of OA, the authors discuss what this reveals about the nature of the OA phenomenon itself and the theory-practice relationship.

Open Access in Theory and Practice contributes to a better understanding of OA and, as such, should be of great interest to academics, researchers, and students working in the fields of information science, publishing studies, science communication, higher education policy, business, and economics. The book also makes an important contribution to the debate of the relationship between theory and practice in information science, and more widely across different fields of the social sciences and humanities

‘This book’s four authors have extensive practical and theoretical experience in library and information science and open access. The text’s 11 chapters provide understanding of open access, its origins, theory, and practice, and their relationship in the domain of open access publication and research dissemination. This book will interest funding agencies in addition to publishing and library constituencies. It is available in open access with a CC-BY license. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals." -- B. M. Pope, Pittsburg State University, CHOICE Review.

Stephen Pinfield is Professor of Information Services Management, University of Sheffield, UK.

Simon Wakeling is a Lecturer at the School of Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Australia.

David Bawden is Professor of Information Science, City, University of London, UK

Lyn Robinson is Reader in Library and Information Science, City, University of London, UK