Since the mid-1990s, the emergence of journal big deals and the rapid rise in subscription fees have created significant barriers to accessing and using published research. Open access (OA) publishing has emerged as an alternative to address these accessibility issues. However, the dominance of mega-commercial publishers in the open access movement has raised concerns about market-driven approaches that prioritise profitability over their responsibilities for promoting scholarly communication. This has led to epistemic injustice, exacerbating disparities in global knowledge production and dissemination. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of gold open access has also led to the proliferation of predatory journals that exploit the open access model by charging authors fees without providing rigorous peer review or editorial standards.

Diamond open access is a promising publishing model that aligns directly with the principles of equitable and scholar-led publishing (Ancion et al., 2022). Diamond open access journals operate without article processing charges (APCs), relying instead on institutional, governmental, or community-based funding, and the voluntary efforts of the researchers themselves. This model also fosters bibliodiversity by supporting multilingual and regional publishing and facilitating broader participation from under-represented research communities (Ancion et al., 2022). Despite its advantages, diamond open access continues to face questions about its long-term financial sustainability and journal impact and visibility within global scholarly communication (Bosman et al., 2021).

As a pioneering example of a scholar-led diamond open access journal, Information Research has provided valuable insights into the potential of this publishing model. The journal has successfully demonstrated that diamond open access journals can achieve recognition and influence in scholarly communication while remaining sustainable and high journal impact. This paper examines the contributions of Information Research as a venue for enhancing scholar-led research and bibliodiversity within the library and information science (LIS) field.

To analyse the role of Information Research in supporting library and information science research, data were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS CC) on 7 March 2025. Two datasets were retrieved.

The first dataset was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, where Information Research has been indexed since 2004. All records from 2004 to 2024 were included, but no records for 2025 were available at the time of collection. After excluding proceedings papers, a final dataset of 797 papers was derived for analysis.

The second dataset was retrieved from the Information science & library science (ISLS) category to compare Information Research with broader library and information science research trends. Specific paper types (proceedings papers, early access publications, book chapters, retracted publications, data papers, publications with expressions of concern, and withdrawn publications) were excluded. For comparability, only papers published between 2004 and 2024 inclusive were analysed, resulting in an initial dataset of 89,828 records. Furthermore, journals indexed in multidisciplinary categories outside Information science & library science category were also excluded, as Information Research is exclusively indexed in this category. This refinement resulted in a final dataset of 42,293 papers. (Hereafter, this dataset is called Information science & library science category.)

Table 1 shows that the number of papers published in Information Research has steadily grown since 2004. This is consistent with the overall growth in papers and the number of journals in the Information science & library science category (although it is unknown how many journals in the category are open access). In part, this is reflective of a broader, concomitant trend of the growth of scholarly journals in the field. Additionally, a marked increase can be seen in the later years that reflects the inclusion of the Emerging sources citation index (ESCI) into the Web of Science Core Collection.

The study highlights the increasing monopolisation of scholarly publishing by mega-commercial publishers, while underscoring the significant role of Information Research in embodying open access principles and fostering scholar-led publishing. As an exemplar of a diamond open access journal, Information Research has maintained high impact and visibility while prioritising equitable access to knowledge.

Information Research owes its success to the dedication of Professor T.D. Wilson, the editorial team, peer reviewers, and library and information science researchers who have contributed their work to the journal. For diamond open access\A journals to be sustainable, as stated in the ‘Action Plan for Diamond Open Access’ (Ancion et al., 2022), it is necessary to develop systems and frameworks that effectively support their operations and maintain journal quality and impact. Additionally, researchers must acknowledge the ongoing challenges in scholarly communication and actively participate in strengthening scholar-led publishing models. In this regard, we express deep appreciation for Professor T.D. Wilson and all editors who have long been committed to Information Research.

This research was supported by National University Development Project at Jeonbuk National University in 2024.

Authors contributing to Information Research agree to publish their articles under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0 license, which gives third parties the right to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. It also gives third parties the right to remix, transform and build upon the material for any purpose, except commercial, on the condition that clear acknowledgment is given to the author(s) of the work, that a link to the license is provided and that it is made clear if changes have been made to the work. This must be done in a reasonable manner, and must not imply that the licensor endorses the use of the work by third parties. The author(s) retain copyright to the work. You can also read more at: https://publicera.kb.se/ir/openaccess