ABSTRACT Indigenous Librarianship represents a vital yet underdeveloped field in Australia, requiring urgent development as the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) formally recognises Indigenous contexts within its professional framework and government policy increasingly acknowledges Indigenous data rights as national priorities. Drawing on Burns, Doyle, Joseph, and Krebs’ (2009) foundational definition of Indigenous Librarianship as a field that unites library practice with Indigenous knowledge systems and methodologies, this paper sets an agenda for Indigenous Librarianship in Australia. Drawing on international Indigenous librarianship scholarship and Australian policy frameworks, we conducted thematic analysis of discussions from the ‘Libraries and their Intersection with Indigenous Knowledges’ dialogue session hosted by ALIA on 15 October 2024. Our findings identified two priority areas: Indigenous Librarianship and Leadership, and Indigenous representation in library collections, systems and services. We argue that establishing a strong foundation for Indigenous Librarianship in Australia requires structural change within institutions and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities in advancing their aspirations for sovereignty over Indigenous cultural heritage. We propose two purposeful acts: collaborative research to define Indigenous Librarianship in the Australian context, and the establishment of recognised qualifications and career pathways to support Indigenous-led practice that advances self-determination while connecting to international Indigenous librarianship movements.

Purpose The purpose of this submission is to document and critically analyse the outcomes of the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025) as a significant academic and policy-oriented intervention in reimagining school libraries in India. The paper aims to highlight evidence-based discussions, research contributions and strategic recommendations emerging from the conference in alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. By presenting consolidated insights on digital transformation, inclusivity, Indian Knowledge Systems and professional capacity building, the paper seeks to contribute to scholarly discourse and inform policymakers, educators and library professionals globally. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative, descriptive and analytical research design based on a case study approach. It draws upon primary data generated through conference proceedings, keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions and stakeholder interactions during the National Conference on School Libraries (NCSL 2025), supplemented by secondary sources such as policy documents, scholarly literature and institutional reports. The study uses thematic analysis to identify emerging trends, challenges and best practices in school librarianship, with particular reference to digital transformation, inclusivity and alignment with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. The approach integrates policy analysis with practice-oriented insights to ensure academic rigour and professional relevance. Findings The study finds that school libraries in India are undergoing a significant transition from conventional print-centric spaces to integrated learning resource centres aligned with the vision of NEP 2020. The conference deliberations reveal growing adoption of digital tools, open educational resources and AI-enabled services, though disparities persist in infrastructure and professional capacity across regions. The findings highlight the critical role of trained librarians as pedagogical partners, the increasing relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in collection development and the need for standardised policy frameworks for school libraries. Strengthened capacity-building initiatives, institutional collaboration and sustained policy support emerge as essential for ensuring equitable, inclusive and future-ready school library services. Research limitations/implications The study is primarily based on a single national-level conference, which may limit the generalisability of the findings across diverse school library contexts in India. As the analysis relies largely on qualitative inputs from presentations, discussions and stakeholder interactions, empirical validation through large-scale surveys or longitudinal studies remains outside the scope of this study. Nevertheless, the implications are significant, as the findings provide a policy-informed and practice-oriented framework that can guide future empirical research, regional studies and impact assessments. The study also offers actionable insights for policymakers, educational administrators and library professionals to strengthen school library systems in alignment with NEP 2020 and emerging digital paradigms. Practical implications The findings of the study provide clear guidance for practical implementation at institutional and policy levels. Schools and educational authorities can use the identified best practices to transform existing libraries into inclusive Learning Resource Centres integrating print, digital and experiential learning resources. The study supports the adoption of digital library platforms, open educational resources and basic AI-enabled services to enhance access and user engagement. It also underscores the need for structured capacity-building programmes for school librarians, standard operating policies and collaborative networks among schools, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and national institutions. These implementations can directly support curriculum delivery, reading culture, digital literacy and lifelong learning objectives envisaged under NEP 2020. Social implications The study highlights the transformative social role of school libraries in promoting equity, inclusion and social cohesion within the education system. Strengthened and modernised school libraries can bridge information and digital divides by ensuring access to quality learning resources for students from diverse socio-economic, linguistic and regional backgrounds. The integration of Indian Knowledge Systems and multilingual collections fosters cultural awareness, identity and respect for indigenous knowledge traditions. Furthermore, by positioning librarians as facilitators of critical thinking, information literacy and ethical digital engagement, school libraries contribute to informed citizenship, democratic participation and social empowerment, particularly for marginalised and first-generation learners. Originality/value The study offers original value by presenting one of the first structured scholarly documentations of a national-level school library conference in the Indian context, synthesising policy, practice and professional discourse. Unlike conventional studies focused solely on institutional case studies or surveys, this work captures collective expert insights aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. It bridges the gap between policy vision and ground-level implementation by highlighting emerging trends such as digital transformation, Indian Knowledge Systems and capacity building. The study serves as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers and practitioners seeking evidence-informed strategies for reimagining school libraries in developing education systems.

ABSTRACT Hispanic communities represent 71% of recent U.S. population growth, yet there is limited research on how public libraries serve them. Guided by Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), this systematic literature review examined five articles: three peer-reviewed urban studies and two descriptive rural pieces. Hispanic patrons were described by literacy habits, service preferences, and language use, while librarians were portrayed as dedicated to creating inclusive programs despite systemic challenges. Artifacts mediating interactions between them included surveys and school networks. Findings reveal tensions and opportunities within library systems, showing how outreach initiatives can reinforce stereotypes or transform libraries into culturally sustaining spaces.

With the advancement of smart library initiatives in higher education institutions, the automation of circulation services has emerged as a critical component. Automated literature services alleviate librarians’ repetitive workloads and enhance the efficiency of faculty and student resource utilization. Existing research on the continued usage intention of library self-service systems often adopts singular sociological or technological perspectives, presenting limitations. This study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to construct a multidimensional analytical framework. It systematically investigates the mechanisms influencing university faculty and students’ sustained use of self-service systems, encompassing system characteristics (navigation, terminology, relevance), technological readiness (retrieval knowledge), accessibility, and individual attributes.Valid questionnaire data from 365 faculty and students across Qinghai University, Qinghai Normal University, and Qinghai Minzu University were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for path analysis and hypothesis testing. Results indicate that system characteristics, technological readiness, accessibility, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness significantly impact sustained system usage. Furthermore, variables including occupation, gender, ethnicity and usage frequency exhibit moderating effects within the model.This research extends the application dimensions of traditional TAMs by elucidating the interactive mechanisms of multifactorial influences on self-service system continuance usage intention. It provides actionable insights for library administrators, end-users, and system vendors, contributing valuable references for advancing smart library development. The findings refine theoretical models of user behavior in library automation and underscore the necessity of contextualizing technological interventions within diverse sociocultural and demographic landscapes.

The preservation of documentary heritage remains a central responsibility of library systems, particularly in the context of fragile manuscript collections and evolving digital environments. This paper examines the intersection of preservation policies and access frameworks within libraries, emphasizing the need to balance long-term conservation with equitable user access. As repositories of cultural memory, libraries must adopt comprehensive preservation strategies that address both physical and digital materials. These strategies include environmental control, conservation treatments, digitization, and the development of institutional policies aligned with international standards. At the same time, access frameworks play a crucial role in ensuring that preserved materials are discoverable and usable. The rise of digital libraries and open access movements has transformed traditional models of information dissemination, enabling wider audiences to engage with rare and valuable collections. However, increased access also introduces challenges such as intellectual property concerns, data security risks, and the sustainability of digital infrastructures. This study explores key preservation policies, including preventive conservation, risk management, and digital preservation protocols, alongside access frameworks such as metadata standards, user authentication systems, and digital repositories. It highlights the importance of integrating these two domains to create a holistic approach that supports both safeguarding and accessibility. Ultimately, the paper argues that effective preservation and access are complementary objectives. By adopting user-centered policies and sustainable technologies, library systems can ensure that knowledge resources are both protected and widely accessible for future generations

In 2024, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library conducted a comprehensive review of its library system to assess whether its current platform, Future of Libraries Is Open (FOLIO) hosted by EBSCO, and its discovery tool, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), aligned with its evolving needs. The institution had been using the current system for three years, but the slow development of important features and subsequent delays in a critical release of FOLIO led to frustrations among staff and library users, compelling the executive team to call for a comprehensive review of the library system. A major outcome of the review was to ascertain the extent of the gaps or limitations in the current system and investigate recent developments in other library systems, including discovery tools and analytical modules. After several vendor consultative sessions, extensive review of documentation and secondary sources, and engagement with selected academic libraries in South Africa, the review team concluded that there were no compelling reasons for an immediate system change and that fair consideration should be given to the developmental and community-driven ethos of FOLIO, and that issues with EDS and Panorama would be resolved by the implementation of planned features in FOLIO’s roadmap. This paper highlights the key processes undertaken in the review and shares experiences and suitable practices for project planning, criteria development, and evaluation. It also argues for a regular review of the library system and stresses the value of institutional knowledge and familiarity in mitigating the risks associated with the review and acquisition of new library systems.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Artificial Intelligence for Theme Generation tool (original Portuguese acronym name: IAGeraTemas), developed with generative artificial intelligence (AI; Google Gemini), for automating thematic classification and the assignment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in documents. The methodology combined quantitative analyses (metrics of precision, recall, and accuracy) on 50 articles published by authors from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), using classification from the SciVal database and qualitative analyses (analysis of the relevance of terms indexed by librarians from the Unicamp Library System in 40 articles available in the Unicamp Institutional Repository), comparing them with manual indexing performed by librarians. The quantitative results in SDG classification showed a recall of 0.785, while the “precision” and “accuracy” metrics were moderate. The qualitative analysis deepened the evaluation of term coherence and relevance suggested by the AI versus human indexing. It revealed the tool’s potential for suggesting relevant terms and expanding concepts, but it also exposed limitations in addressing complex topics. The research, conducted as an experiment at Unicamp Library System, concludes that IAGeraTemas is a valuable auxiliary tool, complementing but not replacing manual indexing, reinforcing the importance of human expertise in validating and refining results, and emphasizing the synergistic potential between AI and information professionals.

ABSTRACT Libraries face many challenges when integrating health into their programming (e.g. funding, misalignment with mission, poor program attendance). We propose an organizational health literacy approach to increasing libraries’ capacity to operate as a health space. Using examples from two of the largest library systems in the US (Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library) and the ten attributes of health literate healthcare organizations developed by the Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Health Literacy, we illustrate how libraries’ operations may already align with organizational health literacy. We discuss additional opportunities for libraries to expand their capacity to operate as health spaces.

AI-Integrated Research Information Management Systems (RIMS) are increasingly pivotal in transforming how academic institutions organize, manage, and leverage scholarly information. This study, titled AI-Integrated Research Information Management: A Comparative Institutional Analysis, investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence on enhancing RIMS functions such as metadata accuracy, researcher profiling, publication tracking, and overall research visibility. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative insights from structured interviews with library professionals and system administrators, along with quantitative data drawn from institutional repositories, system usage reports, and RIMS documentation. The comparative analysis evaluates key parameters including system architecture, AI-driven functionalities, user engagement, and alignment with global indexing standards. Results reveal that institutions employing AI-enabled RIMS experience significant gains in automated metadata enrichment, efficient workflow management, and real-time data analytics, leading to improved discoverability and institutional research performance. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges such as limited technical infrastructure, integration complexities, and skill gaps among staff. These barriers impede the broader adoption of AI in research management. To address these issues, the study recommends actionable strategies such as fostering AI readiness, implementing targeted training programs, and developing supportive institutional policies. These measures are essential for sustainable and impactful integration of AI within RIMS across diverse academic contexts.

Emerging technologies cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and block chain are reshaping library systems by improving scalability, personalization, security, and trust. This paper reviews recent literature on each technology’s application to libraries, presents a conceptual integration framework, proposes a mixed-methods research design for empirical evaluation, and discusses practical use-cases, benefits, challenges, and policy/ethical considerations. We show how a combined cloud-AI-block chain architecture can enable scalable digital repositories, intelligent discovery and user services, and tamper-evident provenance for special collections, while also highlighting interoperability, privacy, cost, and governance challenges that libraries must address.

Today, much attention is being paid to the issue of ensuring high-quality training for graduates of higher education institutions who would be competitive in the labor market. To ensure an independent assessment of the quality of education in Russia, a new tool called accreditation monitoring was introduced in 2023. The main difference from traditional control measures is its “self-reflective” nature, which involves analyzing the internal state of an educational organization when preparing data for a report. This type of analysis allows the timely identification of problem areas and the implementation of corrective measures at an early stage. These measures are aimed at developing capabilities and quality, as well as ensuring the achievement of relevant accreditation indicators. The accreditation monitoring indicators that characterize the conditions for the implementation of an educational program include the availability of an electronic information educational environment. This environment should provide access to an electronic library system and electronic educational resources. Information and library centers or libraries of higher education institutions are responsible for providing access to these resources, as well as their selection and acquisition.The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities of improving the mechanism for organizing the information and library center of students’ access to electronic library systems and electronic educational resources in the electronic information educational environment of the university. The study of the provision of the educational process and programs with electronic information and library resources through the analysis of the accessibility of electronic library systems in the personal accounts of students in the electronic information and educational environment demonstrates that not all educational organizations properly organize access to the necessary data. The problem of fragmented access has been identified: an automatic seamless access, an access with additional authentication. This aspect leads to a decrease in the motivation of students and teachers to use them. In this regard, the need to create a unified ecosystem of electronic library and educational resources is justified. This system would comprehensively provide training and programs that operate on the principle of a “single window” without additional authentication and would be integrated with elements of the electronic information educational environment.

Disasters are events that cause sudden disruption to the day-to-day functioning of a Library system. It is a bad star that happens naturally or is human-made and has a potiential to cause catastrophic loss and harm not only to holdings, but also to buildings, staff, and users, and disrupt normal services for a considerable period. This study is conducted to examine the disaster management system of Amir Ud Daula Public Library, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The library building is over 75 years old and has collections of more than 2 lakh books in various languages, including Hindi, English, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Bengali, and Sanskrit. The library is in the process of digitization; it has 75000 digitized books, 23000000 digitized pages, 27000 e-journals, 300 manuscripts, and 50000 e-books. The study employs the survey method with a structured questionnaire sent to the librarian to gather comprehensive data. After analyzing data, it was found that the librarian has a high level of knowledge about disaster management plans and their implementation. Moreover, the library has an insurance policy that covers the library from earthquakes, fires, floods, and so on.

The swift growth in the number of digital libraries has increased the pressure to ensure that they have effective systems of information retrieval that will lead to efficient access to scholarly materials. The conventional key-word-based methods of retrieval, despite being common, tend not to reflect semantic content, situational and user intention leading to average retrieval success. In reaction, the newest information retrieval systems have added semantic search, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and personalized search approaches. The present paper provides a conceptual and analytical research of the recent developments in information retrieval systems of digital libraries, informed by a review of 20 peer-reviewed articles. The paper will look at the drawbacks of the classic retrieval methods, study the sophisticated retrieval systems, and contrast the recorded performance patterns of various retrieval paradigms. It also proposes a conceptual framework that is a combination of semantic processing, learning-based ranking, and adaptive feedback mechanisms. The synthesized results suggest that the normal system, which can be based on a keyword, normally gives a precision and recall score of 0.55-0.65, whereas those that work at a higher level are the advanced systems that give a range of 0.75-0.88. Machine-learning-based and user-specific retrieval strategies are always reported to have the greatest improvements in relevance ranking and user satisfaction. Although these benefits are achieved, there are still scalability and transparency problems, data bias, and system integration problems. The paper concludes that sophisticated information retrieval systems play a great role in helping academics to access scholarly information in digital libraries and sets new directions of research that could be used to accomplish more intelligent, more user-centric, and more credible retrieval systems.

This study explores how faculty librarians across the City University of New York (CUNY) system perceive the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, in higher education. It employs a cross-sectional survey design and collects both quantitative and qualitative data to address two central research questions: (1) What are CUNY faculty librarians’ perceptions of the impact of generative AI on library research and information literacy instruction? (2) How are faculty librarians in the CUNY system adapting their information literacy and research support practices in response to the rise of generative AI? A mixed-methods approach allows for descriptive analysis of emergent patterns while also capturing nuanced perspectives through open-ended responses. Through a cross-campus survey, librarians’ views, experiences, and concerns about how these tools affect their work as information professionals are examined. The study tracks patterns across CUNY campuses to understand how librarians are adapting their practices alongside this rapidly expanding technology. The present study also reveals insight into modes of support that may be helpful in navigating the rise of AI in academic settings. Survey results apply to a wide range of academic library systems, especially public university systems within the United States. This research may provide a foundation for librarians, policymakers, and stakeholders alike to consult while expanding their AI support across campus libraries.

A “floating collection” is a popular approach to public library collection management where materials are shelved where they are returned rather than sent back to a “home” location. While it has been suggested that this approach refreshes local branch collections and reduces transit costs, it is unclear whether these benefits are realized. Concerns about this approach have also emerged as it relies on customer-initiated item movement such as holds, yet item movement resulting from holds fulfilment may exacerbate inequitable access to popular materials. In this analysis of a large and diverse urban library system, we show that floating does not appear to refresh local branch collections nor significantly impact transited materials. Our analysis also suggests that items seem to stay within a geographic area and gravitate towards branches with a higher volume of holds, meaning that items are unlikely to naturally return to branches with a lower volume of holds. Additionally, for items returned from elsewhere, a subsequent checkout at the return branch was more likely at branches with a high volume of holds.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the principles, priorities, and features of the information and analytical activities of modern libraries in the context of the digital transformation of society and to determine the role of the library as an information and analytical hub. The research methodology is based on a combination of general scientific and specialised methods, including analysis and synthesis to generalise theoretical approaches; the comparative method to compare practices of organising information and analytical activities in different types of libraries; systemic and structural-functional approaches to consider information and analytical activity as an integrated component of the library system; as well as heuristic methods to forecast prospects for its development under conditions of digital change. The scientific novelty of the study lies in substantiating the conceptual foundations and priority directions of the information and analytical activities of the modern library as an integrative process that combines traditional library functions with innovative digital services, analytical technologies, and new forms of communication with users. Conclusions. It is demonstrated that information and analytical activity is a key factor in transforming libraries into multifunctional information and communication centres capable of producing analytical products, supporting scholarly communication, and facilitating managerial decision-making. It is established that the effectiveness of this activity should be based on the principles of systematisation, innovation, and user orientation, while key priorities include the development of electronic resources, the creation of information and analytical products for science, education, and management, and the integration of libraries into the global information space. Emphasis is placed on the growing role of information and analytical centres and national analytical resources in shaping the digital landscape and supporting knowledge-based societies.

The rapid digitization of library resources has intensified the need for robust digital-rights management (DRM) mechanisms to safeguard copyright, control access, and preserve user privacy. Conventional DRM approaches are often centralized, prone to single-point-of-failure, and are limited in transparency and interoperability. To address these challenges, this article puts forward a decentralized DRM framework for library systems by leveraging blockchain technology and decentralized DRM-key mechanisms. An integrative review of the available research literature provides an analysis of current blockchain-based DRM library systems, their limitations, and associated challenges. To address these issues, a controlled experiment is set up to implement and evaluate a possible solution. In the proposed model, digital content is encrypted and stored in the Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS), while blockchain smart contracts manage the generation, distribution, and validation of DRM-keys that regulate user-access rights. This approach ensures immutability, transparency, and fine-grained access control without reliance on centralized authorities. Security is enhanced through cryptographic techniques for authentication. The model not only mitigates issues of piracy, unauthorized redistribution, and vendor lock-in, but also provides a scalable and interoperable solution for modern digital libraries. The findings demonstrate how blockchain-enabled DRM-keys can enhance trust, accountability, and efficiency through the development of secure, decentralized, and user-centric digital library systems, which will be of interest to practitioners charged with library IT technology management and to researchers in the wider field of blockchain applications in organizations.

Georgia Library Spotlight Spot DOT: Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Discovery Outreach Transport

Currently, there is a notable gap in the nursing literature addressing guidance for the care of pediatric surgical patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs). This article aims to bridge that gap by equipping pediatric surgical nurses with essential knowledge on the postoperative care of pediatric patients receiving PNBs, including indications for use, targeted areas of analgesia, common local anesthesia medications, potential complications, and key aspects of nursing care. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to locate current evidence-based practice articles on pediatric regional anesthesia in the category of PNBs. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System. Key words included in the search were pediatric peripheral nerve block, pediatric regional anesthesia, peripheral nerve block complications, nursing care peripheral nerve block, and nursing care regional anesthesia. The clinical guidelines on the management of postoperative pain from the American Pain Society, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists was reviewed to ensure best practices. Drawing from the evidence base, core components of nursing management were identified. Primary considerations include understanding the pharmacology of local anesthetics, proper care of infusion pumps and catheters, assessment of the insertion site, comprehensive pain evaluation, sensory and motor function monitoring, early identification of complications, and family and patient education. A review of the literature and professional guidelines highlighted the essential components of nursing care. This information supported the development of informed, evidence-based practices contained within this manuscript. Nurses are critical in providing high-quality patient care, particularly with respect to pain management in pediatric surgical settings. With the increasing use of regional anesthesia for postoperative pain management, it is essential for nursing staff to have a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and applications. Enhancing pediatric surgical nurses' knowledge of PNBs ensures proper management, optimizes patient comfort and safety, and contributes to improved clinical outcomes.

To the Editor: We commend Sabas et al1 for their important and timely work, “Can Tanzanian Neurosurgeons Access Tanzanian Neurosurgical Literature?”. Their systematic review and survey provide compelling evidence of a critical paradox: although neurosurgical research in Tanzania is growing rapidly, those most in need of access to this knowledge, Tanzanian neurosurgeons themselves face systemic barriers to accessing their own data.1 In this article, we reflect on how these findings extend beyond Tanzania and highlight the structural reforms needed to improve neurosurgical research access globally. Through a systematic review of 96 Tanzanian neurosurgical publications and a national survey of nearly all Tanzanian neurosurgeons, the authors offer a grounded analysis of access disparities. Notably, only 62% of articles were open-access at the publisher level, and almost 40% of respondents reported relying on Sci-Hub or informal networks. Even more concerning, just one had access to a local institutional library service.1 This underlines the importance of examining how structural barriers shape leadership and access in global neurosurgical research. Structural barriers to equitable research: These findings challenge the assumption that collaborations between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries are inherently equitable.2 Although 77% of studies involved foreign institutions, Tanzanian researchers were listed as first or last authors in only approximately one-third of cases.1 When local researchers are not leading, they often have less influence over decisions such as journal selection, open-access fees, and dissemination strategies. The study found that articles led by Tanzanian authors were significantly more likely to be published as open access, suggesting that when local researchers guide the work, it is more likely to be shared in a way that benefits their own communities.1 We believe this article should catalyze action beyond Tanzania. In Uganda, where our team has conducted neurosurgical research, clinicians report similar challenges. These access gaps stem from both infrastructural limitations, including the lack of institutional email addresses, library systems, and digital infrastructure- and policy shortcomings, including minimal investment in research accessibility and the absence of national mandates for open-access publication.1,3 Sabas et al1 quantify a reality long experienced by clinicians in many LMICs. Moreover, their findings highlight the inadequacy of relying on HINARI and similar initiatives as a panacea.1 Although theoretically comprehensive, these platforms often fail in execution, as they require institutional enrollment, consistent credentialing, and stable digital infrastructure that may be lacking in LMIC institutions. Even in countries technically eligible for free access, neurosurgeons often lack the institutional support to enroll or maintain access. As the authors rightly observe, such gaps risk institutionalizing scientific inequity and perpetuating knowledge asymmetries.1 Redefining access and authorship: The broader lesson here is that open access must be decoupled from charity and redefined as an ethical imperative. Although article processing charge (APC) waivers exist for low-income countries, many middle- and even high-income countries with limited access to medical education, research infrastructure, and healthcare funding remain excluded.4 Expanding and refining APC waiver policies to account for structural disparities rather than relying solely on national income classification, is essential. Initiatives such as Plan S and Research4Life help but must be paired with long-term investment in local research infrastructure and autonomy. Journals should prioritize full APC waivers for LMIC-led research, especially when local investigators are listed as first or last authors, as part of a broader commitment to equitable participation in global academic publishing.1 At the same time, funders should go beyond mandating open access alone and require commitments to equitable authorship structures and meaningful dissemination within the countries being studied. Furthermore, research funders, especially those in high-income countries, must enforce open-access mandates for all global health research they support, with specific attention to equitable authorship and in-country dissemination. This study provides a replicable model for other low-resource regions to assess disparities in research access.1 We encourage similar evaluations across neurosurgical networks in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, to both expose persistent access gaps and support targeted, data-informed reform. If we believe in the principle that surgical systems must be locally led and contextually grounded, then we must ensure that the knowledge base informing those systems is fully accessible to those who live, work, and operate within them. Equity in access is essential to advancing global neurosurgery in a meaningful and sustainable way. Conclusion: In closing, Sabas et al1 have offered more than a valuable publication. They have issued a challenge to the global neurosurgical community to ensure that the knowledge informing surgical systems is accessible to those directly involved in care. Access to knowledge must be recognized as a foundational component of progress, not an optional ideal.