One Nation One Subscription initiative and its implications for libraries in India

It is said knowledge is power, but also needs to be acknowledged is that this power often comes with a hefty subscription fee attached to it. When it comes to academia, access to scholarly journals is often considered a privilege, a concern that has prompted countless discussions and even fueled the open science movement within the industry. Advocating for equitable access to research has become a priority for many, and India's One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative is an important step toward empowering millions of researchers and students across the country to access valuable research and drive innovation. 

What is ONOS? 

ONOS, an initiative spearheaded by the Indian government aimed at enhancing access to research publications across higher education institutions and R&D laboratories supported by the central government. This landmark three-year program will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) and is designed to centralize and broaden access to vital research resources through a unified digital platform. Currently, the initiative is set to collaborate with 30 leading international publishers, down from an initial pool of over 70, with intentions to onboard the remaining 40 publishers in the near future. In its first phase, this program will benefit 6,300 government-run institutions and approximately 18 million students, providing them access to an impressive collection of 13,000 international journals—all funded by the central government. 

What does this mean for academic libraries in India? 

ONOS promises to enhance access to research materials and in turn foster innovation, but it also brings significant implications for important stakeholders in academia. In this context, we are taking a look at what this development means for academic libraries in India. 

ONOS has the potential to democratize access to published research in India, regardless of the financial resources or prestige associated with institutions. Notably, libraries associated with institutions located in underserved regions would gain access to the same high-quality materials typically more commonly available to ones associated with affluent universities, leveling the playing field. Such equitable access can play a crucial role in reducing the disparities that currently exist in academic resource availability and promoting a more inclusive research environment. This could also lead to better collaboration and research output, benefiting a broader range of researchers. 

By providing access to a vast range of academic journals and databases under a single subscription system, ONOS can reduce the burden on smaller institutions to negotiate separate agreements . However, this can be a double-edged sword as libraries may lose direct control over selecting resources tailored to their specific institutional needs. And libraries in India may become more reliant on INFLIBNET's decisions, which may not always align with the unique priorities of different institutions, leading to potential resource gaps in niche subject areas.  

Cost is always a stick in the road and this initiative has the potential to lower the overall expenditure by negotiating better deals and weeding out subscriptions. By consolidating into a single subscription model for all central and state government institutions, ONOS can also enhance bargaining power of libraries during negotiations with publishers. Additionally, with INFLIBNET overseeing negotiations and managing subscriptions, librarians can be relieved of the time-consuming administrative tasks that come with renewal tracking and vendor negotiations. This streamlined approach not only helps save on costs but also allows libraries to focus more on their core missions and services. However, to better adapt to such a new model, libraries may need to update their workflows and technologies, which could involve initial costs and training efforts. 

Can ONOS truly be the game-changer everyone anticipates? 

While ONOS presents a promising opportunity for the research community in India, several experts have raised concerns regarding how the deal aligns with the actual research needs and capacities of institutions in India. For instance, several smaller academic institutions may struggle with conducting advanced research, which raises questions about the value of access to extensive journal collections if they cannot fully utilize them. Additionally, the plan appears to prioritize the number of resources over their relevance and utility, risking a disconnect between available materials and the specific needs of researchers. And another key aim of ONOS was to cap article publishing fees (APCs), but there’s skepticism about how this will be achieved. Additionally, such a deal may become outdated in the light of global open-access trends. 

India's linguistic diversity poses another challenge. The ONOS initiative offers access to many journals but primarily in English, creating barriers for students and researchers who may prefer to access resources in regional languages. The government can use tools for real-time translation to address this challenge and provide multilingual support. Furthermore, while India has made advancements in digital infrastructure, access is uneven—smaller institutions in tier-2 and tier-3 cities may lack these resources, holding back effective use of ONOS. Additionally, awareness and training are critical. Many institutions, particularly in underdeveloped areas, might not know how to access or utilize these journals effectively. 

Despite these challenges, ONOS can redefine the role of libraries in fostering academic success and encouraging research and innovation. And to realize this potential, it will be essential to navigate issues surrounding autonomy, specialized needs, and seamless integration through strategic planning and advocacy.