| Summary: | This research is based on the premise that dissemination channels play a fundamental role in the access to scientific knowledge. Commercial publishers have often set the rules of access to scientific communication; however, with the emergence of Open Access, this paradigm is changing. Furthermore, peer-to-peer platforms have often ensured unrestricted, albeit unauthorised, access to scientific knowledge. We reflect on the above traditional and emerging models of scientific dissemination, positing that their dynamic and complementary employment might be of benefit for the advancement of knowledge. The University of Porto is presented as a case study, with potential replicability in other institutions. In addition, we address a current climate of hypercompetitiveness in scientific research, arguing that it conditions a stable scientific environment. In addition to the collection of empirical data through online sources and news reports, as well as content review and online participant observation, two semi-structured interviews were conducted with two U. Porto librarians specialising in distinct areas of knowledge. The outcomes were analysed under a perspective of critical theory. The results of the study show that, due to a commodification of scientific knowledge, both the academic community and society at large are severely conditioned by material conditions.
Keywords: Knowledge dissemination; Scientific Publishing; Open Access; Sci-Hub; Scientific Elite; Hypercompetitiveness.
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