How to find open access resources in professional fields?

Identifying open access (OA) resources involves utilizing dedicated platforms, repositories, and search strategies designed to surface scholarly materials freely accessible online. This approach is entirely feasible for any professional discipline. Key strategies include searching major disciplinary repositories like arXiv (physics, math), PubMed Central (life sciences), or SSRN (social sciences). Leverage comprehensive search engines such as Google Scholar (use its "Advanced Search" for OA filtering) or the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). Consider institutional repositories of universities and research organizations, and explore gold OA journals listed by publishers. Crucially, verify the specific reuse rights (e.g., CC licenses) associated with each resource and be aware of differences between gold OA (published OA) and green OA (author-self-archived versions). To implement this, first identify relevant subject-specific repositories using resources like OpenDOAR or ROAR. Use Google Scholar with keywords plus "filetype:pdf" or utilize its advanced search settings limiting to OA results. Check publisher websites for OA journal lists or hybrid OA options. Consult your institution's library website for curated OA databases and support services. Finally, always assess the resource's license for intended usage permissions. This systematic approach grants efficient access to valuable, barrier-free scholarly literature.