How to search for literature using an open access platform?

Open access platforms provide freely available scholarly literature through repositories and journals. Searching them offers a feasible method to discover relevant research without paywalls. Key principles include selecting appropriate platforms such as DOAJ for journals or BASE for repositories. Effective searching relies on using precise keywords, Boolean operators, and subject filters. Users should verify platform credibility and publisher legitimacy to ensure content quality. Remember that coverage varies across disciplines, and comprehensive searches may still require supplemental database use. To search, formulate a clear research question and identify relevant keywords. Select specific open access platforms or utilize aggregators like CORE or Google Scholar with filtering set to exclude paywalled content. Execute searches using keywords combined with operators (e.g., AND, OR), apply available filters (e.g., date, subject), and evaluate results for relevance and quality. Finally, access the full text directly via provided links. This approach facilitates efficient discovery of valuable, barrier-free scholarly output.