It’s Open Access Week and this year’s theme is ‘Who owns our knowledge?’, which prompts us to consider how, in a time of disruption, communities can reassert control over the knowledge they produce. It also challenges us to reflect on not only who has access to education and research, but on how knowledge is created and shared, where it has come from, and whose voices are recognised and valued.
If you’re new to open access or just need a refresher, check out these Open Access FAQs by Open Access Australasia or these past Library Connect blog posts that bust common myths about Open Access and explore the difference between Open Access and free access.
Interested in learning more? Open Access Australasia is running several seminars addressing this year’s theme:
The politics of knowledge: Who controls the story and who has access to it?
Tuesday 21 October 2025, 9 to 10am
The opening event, this session brings together speakers from the North America, Europe, Asia and Australia to explore how government administrations are exerting ownership and control over knowledge, shaping narratives and gatekeeping access. Register for The politics of knowledge.
Community ownership: Relation, reciprocity and responsibility
Wednesday 22 October 2025, noon to 1pm
This session focuses on unpacking the concept of knowledge ownership within community and collective contexts. Panellists will reflect on their definitions of knowledge ownership, rooted in collaboration, lived experience, and cultural relevance, highlighting how knowledge can be created, shared and protected collectively rather than claimed individually. Register for Community ownership.
Vive la révolution! Taking our knowledge back
Thursday 23 October 2025, noon to 1pm
What does it mean to ‘own’ your research in 2025? How can academic authors make informed choices about where and how people (and/or machines!) can access and build on their work? This session explores how the scholarly community can wrest control back from the oligopoly and maintain agency over their own work, ensuring their research has the widest and most meaningful impact. Register for Vive la révolution!
You can also catch up on the recordings of sessions held by Open Access Australasia in previous years.
Stay tuned to Library Connect this week to find out more about open access and who owns our knowledge.
