The perception of cons and pros on Open Science within Kuwait University Faculty members in the State of Kuwait.

Abstract

Open Science (OS) in academic libraries has become essential to enhance academic activity in research. In other words, results should be shared openly to enhance the production of research results and accessed easily. The aim of this research is to identify the awareness of cons and pros on OS within the Kuwait University Faculty Members (KUFM). Factors that affect the awareness of OS in Kuwait University (KU) were also explored. A descriptive analysis was used to identify the awareness of cons and pros on OS within the Kuwait University Faculty Members (KUFM). Furthermore, an online questionnaire was sent to all faculty members in the Kuwait University Collages. The main findings indicated that sciences fields had an idea about OS practices more than social sciences fields, as well as there is a clear shortcoming from decision-makers at KU regarding the role of OS in an academic environment. Moreover, the results confirmed that there are challenges that hinder the use of OS practices at Kuwait University, such as; financial issues, cultural challenges, lack of OS professionals, lack of technological support, and lack of awareness of OS practices. Therefore, recommendations to KU on establishing an effective OS environment within the University were suggested.