ArXiv in the Open Access Era: its usage and impact on physics researchers

Abstract

Abstract - ArXiv is an Open Access (OA) e-prints repository of physics, mathematics, computer science, and related subjects. This study aims to determine the use and impact of arXiv on physics researchers of selected research institutes in Bengaluru, India. The study was conducted using the survey method, and a structured questionnaire was distributed to physics researchers working in five research institutions in Bengaluru. The first part of the questionnaire consists of demographic information second part consists of the usage of arXiv, and the last section includes the impact of usage and satisfaction level of users. The response was 73%, and analysis revealed that 94% use arXiv. The study showed that more than 50% contribute to arXiv and that they are highly satisfied with using this resource. Further, the study has also shown that, by contributing to arXiv, the researchers benefited from significant impacts, such as getting good feedback, collaborations, and increased citations. We believe that this study will encourage researchers to use and contribute to OA resources and also motivate libraries to promote OA repositories.