Study title

Open access (OA) hubs have become pivotal in democratising academic knowledge and fostering global accessibility to research. These digital platforms allow unrestricted sharing of scholarly work, bridging gaps in access to academic resources. Despite their transformative potential, the adoption and sustainability of OA hubs face significant challenges, including legal complexities, ethical dilemmas, technical barriers, and disciplinary disparities. This study explores these multifaceted issues through qualitative interviews with 11 experts involved in OA initiatives, employing an expert sampling design. A total of 45 individuals were invited to participate, with 11 ultimately taking part. The interviews had an approximate average length of 90 minutes. To ensure confidentiality, all identifying information was removed from the interview transcripts. Additionally, one participant requested that all his information be excluded from the final transcripts, and this request was honoured. The findings reveal strategies to address copyright concerns, enhance usability, and foster inclusivity. They underscore the critical importance of embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles within OA practices while advocating for robust funding models to ensure long-term sustainability. By addressing these challenges, OA hubs can evolve to support a more equitable and accessible academic publishing landscape. By prioritising sustainability and inclusivity, OA platforms can fulfil their potential to revolutionise scholarly communication, paving the way for a more equitable and accessible academic landscape.Open access hubs, including platforms like ArXiv, REPEC, SocArxiv, CrimRxiv, and institutional repositories, provide free and unrestricted access to preprint and postprint versions of academic publications. By offering an alternative to traditional peer reviewed journals, often owned by commercial publishers, through light-touch moderation these platforms...