Gwanda State University Deputy Librarian Attends Prestigious Diamond Open Access Summit

The Deputy Librarian of Gwanda State University, Mr. P. Ndhlovu, proudly represented the university at the 2nd Diamond Open Access Summit, which took place from 9th to 14th December 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. This globally recognized event brought together experts, advocates, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of open access publishing, with a particular focus on the Diamond Open Access model. The Diamond Open Access model ensures the dissemination of scholarly content without financial barriers for both authors and readers, aligning closely with Gwanda State University’s mission to promote equitable access to knowledge and research. This community-driven approach to publishing eliminates the need for article processing charges (APCs), creating a more inclusive and sustainable publishing ecosystem.

Mr. Ndhlovu’s participation underscored Gwanda State University Library's commitment to fostering open science and strengthening scholarly communication within Zimbabwe and beyond. He brought back invaluable insights and strategies to enhance the library’s role in supporting open access initiatives, ensuring that the university continues to make significant contributions to global knowledge-sharing platforms.

During the summit, Mr. Ndhlovu engaged in discussions on critical topics such as the sustainability of open access, community governance, and innovative practices in scholarly publishing. The knowledge gained is expected to shape future library policies and expand the university's efforts to empower researchers through open access platforms.

The University Library is excited to integrate these insights into its library services to better serve the academic community and advance the principles of open access.