Enhancing Open Science Responsible Research Assessment and Decision-Making with the OpenAIRE Graph: The Role of Research Librarians

The evolving landscape of scholarly research communication continually necessitates innovative approaches to responsible research assessment and decision-making. At the forefront of this evolution, research librarians are uniquely positioned to empower Open Science initiatives by leveraging the OpenAIRE Graph. This presentation delves into the critical contributions of research librarians in shaping the OpenAIRE Graph as a pivotal resource for monitoring research impact beyond traditional bibliometric indicators. By adopting the OpenAIRE Graph, research libraries can champion the principles of openness and transparency, thereby providing Research Performing and Funding Organisations (RPOs and RFOs) with non-commercial, robust analytical tools. The OpenAIRE Graph, comprising over 242 million research products—of which 81 million are open access—serves as a comprehensive database enriched by contributions from the research community. This resource facilitates the identification of metadata schemas, reporting missing information, linking persistent identifiers, and guiding researchers towards trusted resources.

The presentation will guide participants through the OpenAIRE ecosystem, highlighting how various services—such as OpenAIRE Provide, OpenCitations, OpenAPC, and OpenAIRE MONITOR—integrate with the Graph to offer extensive insights into research outputs and Open Science activities. These services enable dynamic data visualizations, monitor research impact, and support open access tracking at institutional and national levels. In conclusion, this presentation underscores the significance of research librarians in advancing Open Science policies through the OpenAIRE Graph. By illustrating the collaborative efforts of the community in curating and sustaining open tools, the presentation highlights the strategic role of libraries in navigating and nurturing the future of data services, fostering a culture of transparency and community-driven innovation.